His Excellency the Deputy Minister for Public Health, Dr. AbdulAziz bin Saeed, held a meeting on Monday with international experts from the World Health Organization (WHO), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in presence of the Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine team. He touched upon a number of topics, most notably, setting forth public health strategies for Hajj and Umrah, which not only deal with communicable diseases, but also with non-communicable diseases that pose a big health challenge. He underlined the importance of reaching out to Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, before they arrive to KSA, so that they get enough information to ensure a safe healthy Hajj, Allah willing.
During the meeting, Bin Saeed also stressed the importance of partnerships with global organizations and institutions for training, and studies covering the various aspects of public health, especially during Hajj and Umrah seasons. He explained the roles assigned to the international experts during this year's Hajj, which include review and documentation of the Epidemiological Surveillance Program during Hajj season, under the supervision of the Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine and the Public Health Department in Makkah. The experts also are tasked with analyzing data of pilgrims' health condition for the previous Hajj seasons, which will help the Ministry of Health's future plans for Hajj.
Dr. Bin Saeed underscored transferring MOH's accumulated expertise to the world through documenting the experiences acquired during Hajj and Umrah seasons.
In conclusion, the Deputy Minister for Public Health extended thanks to all public health workers in Makkah Health Affairs Directorate and the MOH Headquarters for the major role they play, and their dedication to providing the best preventive services during Hajj season.