Page 27 - INTERNATIONAL SOS PR REPORT JUNE 2024

6/6/24, 3:26 PM International SOS encourages organisations to prioritise pilgrim health and safety during Hajj 2024 with vital precautions – Executiv…
In line with the latest health and safety regulations established by the Saudi Arabian authorities, International
SOS has developed a comprehensive guideline focused on ensuring pilgrims’ health, security and wellbeing. The

guideline outlines crucial pre-travel considerations, including several newly implemented requirements. It
highlights the official permit and vaccination requirements, heat mitigation strategies and promoting vigilance

and awareness of the surroundings to ensure individual safety, particularly during crowd surges.

Dr Nosa Aihie, Regional Medical Director, Middle East, at International SOS, said: “It is important for pilgrims
to adhere to vaccination requirements listed by the government of Saudi Arabia to protect themselves and their

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peers from various infectious diseases. This includes the mandatory meningococcal vaccination , which must be
administered no more than three years and at least ten days prior to the planned arrival in Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims
are advised to carry valid health certificates confirming that they are free from any acute, chronic or infectious

diseases. Furthermore, we suggest scheduling activities to avoid peak heat hours whenever possible and being
adequately hydrated during Hajj, as pilgrims may experience heat-related illnesses and dehydration.”

Gulnaz Ukassova, Security Director at International SOS in Dubai, stressed the need for thorough pre-travel

preparation and compliance with government directives, stating, “It is vital for pilgrims undertaking Hajj to
thoroughly understand and comply with the relevant Hajj regulations prior to and during the pilgrimage. Pilgrims
should expect large crowds at religious sites, particularly on the Jamaarat Bridge in Mina and around Al-Masjid

Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca. Pilgrims must take precautions to ensure their safety during crowd surges, such as
staying aware of their surroundings, adhering to designated lanes, avoiding walking against the direction of

traffic and knowing the nearest emergency exits and evacuation routes. They should also anticipate and be
prepared for potential travel disruptions and increased demand for various services during this period.”

Hajj 2024 health and safety guidelines for organisations and their workforce to ensure the health and safety of
pilgrims:

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