Hajj 2024 a success: No disease outbreaks reported during pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia

Dubai: The 2024 Hajj season concluded successfully, with the Saudi Ministry of Health confirming the implementation of its health plans and reporting no outbreaks of diseases or other public health threats during the pilgrimage.

Minister of Health Fahd Al Jalajel emphasised that despite the high temperatures and the large number of pilgrims, there were no significant health threats.

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The ministry allocated extensive resources to ensure the well-being of pilgrims, including 189 hospitals, health centers, and mobile clinics with a combined capacity of over 6,500 beds.

During the Hajj, the ministry served over 390,000 pilgrims, performing more than 28 open-heart surgeries, 720 cardiac catheterizations, and 1,169 dialysis sessions.

The Seha Virtual Hospital provided over 5,800 virtual consultations, mainly for heat-related illnesses, enabling prompt intervention and preventing a surge in cases. Al Jalajel commended the collaborative efforts of various healthcare entities, including the Mecca Health Cluster, the Red Crescent Authority, the Public Health Authority (Weqaya), and the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

The minister also highlighted the measures implemented by the Supreme Hajj Committee, led by Minister of Interior Prince Abdul Aziz bin Saud bin Naif, to protect pilgrims from high temperatures and address potential health challenges.

The Central Hajj Committee’s recommendation for pilgrims to avoid performing rituals during peak temperatures significantly contributed to safeguarding their health.

“I am pleased to announce the success of this year’s Hajj season and extend my praise to God for enabling us to carry out our highest mission towards the guests of God,” Prince Saud said in a statement at the emirate’s office in Mina.

He noted that planning for the next Hajj season will begin immediately. “The successes achieved at all levels are only the beginning of a new phase to achieve greater gains in serving the pilgrims,” he stated.