Beyond the spiritual: Saudi Arabia and WHO’s partnership to ensure safe Hajj gatherings
The Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, inspires awe in both active participants and those who witness the event remotely, on television. First and foremost, there is the spiritual significance of the event. But what also captures the focus are the remarkable efforts of the Government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the safety and well-being of the millions of pilgrims who gather from around the world.
There are immense challenges in managing such a massive event. Infrastructure, accommodation, technology and crowd management are all factors that, when well thought out, can make a pilgrimage a success. It’s also crucial to manage threats such as disease outbreaks and cross-border health risks.
In collaboration with Saudi Arabia, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean has been diligently working to ensure that all necessary capacities are in place for the annual Hajj pilgrimage. The Global Center for Mass Gatherings Medicine in Saudi Arabia, a WHO collaborating centre, specializes in preparing for and managing mass gatherings like Hajj and Umrah.
Mass gatherings, even when planned, can put a strain on local resources and pose health risks. Preparing for these events demands evidence-based risk assessments, community engagement and local capacity-building.
Behind-the-scenes efforts that deliver exceptional services
To prepare for each Hajj season, the Global Center conducts an in-depth assessment of Saudi Arabia’s health early warning system. The aim is to evaluate its readiness to detect and respond to potential health risks. An after action review follows the Hajj season. Working with the Regional Office, the Global Center identifies areas
