Preparedness for Mass Gathering During Hajj and Umrah

Abstract

The role of public health preparedness at mass gatherings (MGs) and a framework to ensure a safe and healthy mass gathering are provided in this chapter. The unique aspects of Hajj and Umrah events, including their massive size and the interplay of environmental conditions with the international nature of attendees, require proper and thorough public health preparation. The key aspects of a framework designed to promote public health at mass gatherings are also outlined in this chapter. The key aspects include risk assessment, public health surveillance; regulations, legislation and policy; emergency planning and response; environmental health; public health awareness; strengthening communication; and internal organizational and capacity building. Our search evaluates literatures pertaining to the frameworks of public health concerns at mass gatherings and analyzes the preparedness and effectiveness of such regulations and projections in current models of disaster preparedness and public health promotion. Such a model is crucial for setting the stage for decision-making and ensuring the safety of attendees; it should be implemented before the commencement of the event. Further, the health risks associated with attending a mass gathering such as Hajj/Umrah are discussed. Clinicians and attendees have specific roles to play in ensuring good public health during these pilgrimages. Clinicians have a role in ensuring attendees are well equipped with the knowledge and resources to stay healthy during Hajj/Umrah, which helps to protect the public from infectious disease transmission. Attendees have a role in ensuring personal health and maintaining hygiene standards. Infectious diseases of concern at such mass gatherings include Middle East respiratory syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV), meningococcal disease, diarrheal disease and seasonal influenza. Other diseases of concern include the potential for pilgrims to contract Zika due to local populations of Zika vectors. Specific vaccine requirements and knowledge regarding health warnings are crucial to Hajj attendees when traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). In addition, pilgrims are encouraged to seek accurate information related to travel and visas and requirements of Hajj-specific travel visas.

Analysis of Healthcare Services in 2019 Arbaeen March: A Qualitative Study

“…To compile a response plan for health care in this ritual, the planners of this critical event must identify their duties and roles well, assuming descriptive responsibilities. Only through such clarity can proper planning be established for an effective response [36]. The active presence of the military forces with financial, human, and equipment resources at their disposal has provided an excellent opportunity to eliminate the shortcomings of this part.…”

COVID-19: Exploring Pilgrims’ Travel Risks Perception

“…Mass gathering preparedness is a crucial matter, and it has been claimed that public health plays an essential strategic and technical role in keeping the people safe and healthy during large gatherings. If steps to properly plan and respond are not adopted, mass gatherings can raise the danger of health security, social anxiety, political urgency, and economic disruption (Ridda et al, 2019). Thus, the mass gathering is most likely raising social anxiety in public, especially those who need to go to Mecca to perform the worship.…”

Nurses’ job satisfaction during the mass gathering of the Hajj 2018 in Saudi Arabia

“…The rituals of the Hajj are physically demanding and involve walking between sacred areas in high temperatures and very crowded conditions, also high environmental pollution from increased traffic levels (Alaska et al 2017). These environmental hazards represent serious public health concerns, not just due to the ensuing risk of unforeseen, emergent non-communicable health problems, but also the spread of communicable disease (Ridda et al 2019). However, the majority of injuries during the Hajj are made up of respiratory illnesses, heat-related injuries and minor injuries or problems such as headaches or sunburn (Al-Tawfiq et al 2018;WHO 2019).…”