Prime Highlights
- The World Health Organization praised Saudi Arabia for conducting the 1447 AH Hajj season without disease outbreaks or public health threats.
- Advanced healthcare measures, including surveillance systems, robots, and drones, helped ensure pilgrims’ safety throughout the pilgrimage.
Key Facts
- Hajj is one of the world’s largest annual mass gatherings, attracting millions of pilgrims from across the globe.
- Saudi Arabia implemented extensive preventive, emergency, and monitoring measures in coordination with national and international health organizations.
Background
Saudi Arabia has been complimented by the World Health Organization (WHO) due to its successful handling of the Hajj season of 1447 AH without any diseases or health risks occurring during this event.
It should be noted that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was successful in organizing the largest mass gathering in the world without compromising on public health standards amidst various public health concerns globally. WHO officials commended the country’s ability to manage complex healthcare requirements and safeguard millions of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated Saudi Arabia on the successful Hajj season and acknowledged the contribution of healthcare workers who helped ensure a safe environment for pilgrims. The organization said the achievement reflected international confidence in the Kingdom’s capacity to manage large-scale events while protecting public health.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr. Hanan Balkhy, also praised Saudi Arabia’s health preparations. She highlighted the use of advanced technologies such as robots and drones, the availability of healthcare services across pilgrimage sites, and continuous health monitoring systems that supported pilgrims during their journey.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health confirmed that the season remained free of disease outbreaks and major health threats. Authorities implemented extensive preventive, therapeutic, and emergency healthcare measures, supported by epidemiological surveillance, risk assessments, and coordinated response plans involving national and international partners.
Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel stated that protecting pilgrims’ health contributes directly to global health security because millions of visitors return to their home countries after Hajj. He noted that vaccination requirements, health screenings, early preparedness, and rapid response systems played a key role in the season’s success.
The achievement further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in mass gathering medicine and public health management.
