Hajj: infectious disease surveillance and control

Area of Science:

• Public Health and Epidemiology
• Global Health Security
• Infectious Disease Surveillance

Background:

• Religious festivals attract millions of international pilgrims, increasing infectious disease transmission risks.
• Large gatherings can strain host country health systems and pose global health security threats.
• Effective public health surveillance and response are crucial for managing health risks at mass gatherings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail public health planning, surveillance, and healthcare services during Hajj 2012 and 2013.
• To highlight Saudi Arabia's experience in managing health at mass gatherings.
• To announce the establishment of the Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine.

Main Methods:

• Review of public health planning and surveillance systems implemented for the Hajj.
• Analysis of health services provided and accessed by pilgrims during the 2012 and 2013 Hajj.
• Description of the collaborative framework for the Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine.

Main Results:

• Over 5 million pilgrims from 184 countries attended Hajj in 2012 and 2013.
• Extensive public health measures were in place to monitor and mitigate health risks.
• The Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine was established as an international partnership.

Conclusions:

• Comprehensive public health planning and surveillance are vital for safe mass religious gatherings.
• Saudi Arabia possesses significant expertise in healthcare provision for large-scale events like the Hajj.
• The Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine aims to enhance international collaboration in managing mass gathering health risks.