Minister of Health, Dr. Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz AL Rabeeah, announced that establishing an international research center that is concerned with mass gatherings medicine is still under initial study where it will be presented after editing to the decision makers to accredit it.
Dr. AL Rabeeah assured that Mass Gatherings Medicine International Conference participants supported having such a center in order to achieve many goals. In addition, many international experts and specialized consultant in infectious diseases, public health and viruses who are concerned with mass gatherings stressed the importance of having an international research and training center to deal with mass gatherings, which is sponsored by World Health Organization.
Executive Office General Manager for GCC Ministers of Health Council, Dr. Tawfeeq Bin Ahmad Khoja, stressed at the importance of having a scientific research center concerned with mass gatherings. This center will be a reference for experts and people interested in this field. In addition, he notified the necessity of benefiting from the kingdom's experiences in handling crowds in establishing this center as well as hiring specialized experts in universities and Hajj research centers. The Regional Director of WHO for the Middle East, Dr. Hussain AL Jazaeri,
said that establishing a mass gatherings medicine research center will guarantee an international health safety in events that include more than one million people.
Mass Gatherings Medicine roundtable discussion held yesterday, was attended by 13 ministers including 3 Saudis, international experts and 3 health organization managers; WHO Director-General Margaret Chan, Executive Office General Manager for GCC Ministers of Health Council, Dr. Tawfeeq Bin Ahmad Khoja and the Regional Director of WHO for the Middle East, Dr. Hussain AL Jazaeri in addition to Arab League experts and Ministry of Health of the United States Secretary.
They discussed establishing an international research and training center to deal with mass gatherings, and they supported the recommendations that will be issued tomorrow that in favor establishing the center and setting organizational lists, financing and choosing its members.