Health Conditions for travelers to Saudi Arabia, Hajj, 1430 H
Current major events Editorial note Monitor
Every year, at the request of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, WHO is publishing the “Health conditions for travelers to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)” to inform visitors of the full requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umra.
However, these stipulated requirements and conditions do not imply an endorsement by WHO.
In the current global context of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection, the health requirements issued by the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), for the Hajj and Umra
seasons in 1430 H (2009) is being considered important for reducing transmission of pandemic influenza virus amongst the Hajj pilgrims as well as limiting hajj related exportation of pandemic
(H1N1) 2009 virus by the returning pilgrims.
Although, the impact of the current pandemic influenza on Hajj pilgrims is unpredictable, public health preparedness for such a mass gathering event is truly indicated. During the last summer, the Ministry of Health of the KSA organized an international consultative meeting inviting experts from WHO, ECDC and the CDC, USA. The workshop recommended a number of public health measures with a view to reducing risk of transmission from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus.
The current health requirements and recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health of KSA on pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection is based on these recommendations.
These recommendations call for the population groups considered to be at high risk for complication from influenza to refrain voluntarily from this year’s Hajj.
Risk communication is another very important element in this year’s health requirements for Hajj particularly in terms of reducing transmission from influenza virus. Cough etiquette, personal hygiene measures and handwashing are some of the measures that can be realistically implemented during the Hajj and may have a profound impact on reducing transmission.
It would need committed actions, and strong vigilance from the global public health community to reduce the potential impact of pandemic influenza during the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. Mitigating the transmission burden associated with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection remains everybody’s responsibility.
Other health measures
- " Where the seasonal influenza vaccine and the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccines are available in countries, proof of both vaccination would be required. Where vaccines are not available, visas will be issued to pilgrims by the responsible health authority of each country";
- " Health authorities in pilgrims’ countries of origin are responsible for educating and advising pilgrims about public health measures (personal hygiene measures, cough etiquette, use of antiseptic hand gel, etc) to prevent the spread of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection Requirements and Recommendations for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009".
See details :: Published by the World Health Organization (WHO), Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO), Cairo, Egypt.The Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia has issued a set of requirements and recommendations for entry visas for the Hajj and Umra season for the year 1430 H (2009). Given the current pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus situation in the world, these health requirements and conditions carry a special significance this year.
Current major events Editorial note Monitor
Every year, at the request of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, WHO is publishing the “Health conditions for travelers to Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)” to inform visitors of the full requirements for entry into Saudi Arabia for the Hajj and Umra.
However, these stipulated requirements and conditions do not imply an endorsement by WHO.
In the current global context of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection, the health requirements issued by the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), for the Hajj and Umra
seasons in 1430 H (2009) is being considered important for reducing transmission of pandemic influenza virus amongst the Hajj pilgrims as well as limiting hajj related exportation of pandemic
(H1N1) 2009 virus by the returning pilgrims.
Although, the impact of the current pandemic influenza on Hajj pilgrims is unpredictable, public health preparedness for such a mass gathering event is truly indicated. During the last summer, the Ministry of Health of the KSA organized an international consultative meeting inviting experts from WHO, ECDC and the CDC, USA. The workshop recommended a number of public health measures with a view to reducing risk of transmission from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus.
The current health requirements and recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health of KSA on pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection is based on these recommendations.
These recommendations call for the population groups considered to be at high risk for complication from influenza to refrain voluntarily from this year’s Hajj.
Risk communication is another very important element in this year’s health requirements for Hajj particularly in terms of reducing transmission from influenza virus. Cough etiquette, personal hygiene measures and handwashing are some of the measures that can be realistically implemented during the Hajj and may have a profound impact on reducing transmission.
It would need committed actions, and strong vigilance from the global public health community to reduce the potential impact of pandemic influenza during the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. Mitigating the transmission burden associated with pandemic (H1N1) 2009 infection remains everybody’s responsibility.
Other health measures
- " Where the seasonal influenza vaccine and the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccines are available in countries, proof of both vaccination would be required. Where vaccines are not available, visas will be issued to pilgrims by the responsible health authority of each country";
- " Health authorities in pilgrims’ countries of origin are responsible for educating and advising pilgrims about public health measures (personal hygiene measures, cough etiquette, use of antiseptic hand gel, etc) to prevent the spread of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus infection Requirements and Recommendations for Pandemic (H1N1) 2009".
For Correspondence: Tel + 20-2-22765273, Fax + 20-2-2765456. E-mail: csr@emro.who.int
