Page 36 - 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

International SOS encourages organisations to

prioritise pilgrim health and safety during Hajj

2024 with vital precautions

Date Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter
6/4/2024 9:11:03 AM

(MENAFN- Orient Planet Group) 4 June 2024 – International SOS, the world’s leading health
and security services company, confirms its preparedness to ensure the health and safety of
pilgrims during the Hajj season. The organisation encourages businesses whose employees

participate in the Hajj pilgrimage to ensure their awareness of essential precautions for a safe
and healthy spiritual journey. The annual Hajj pilgrimage, a global gathering attracting over 1.8

million participants last year, is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia from June 14 to 19
2024.

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 peers from various infectious diseases. This includes

the mandatory meningococcal vaccination 2, 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

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