According to Jeddah Health Affairs, since the beginning of this year's Hajj Season, about 332, 811 pilgrims have been checked so far at the health control centers of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Jeddah Islamic Seaport.
Also, 119,323 pilgrims have been vaccinated against polio. 279,625 pilgrims have received meningitis vaccine. 80,518 pilgrims have been given preventive vaccines.
As part of its preparation for this year's Hajj, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has equipped many health control centers at air, sea and land access points as from this Dhul-Qa‘dah, to ensure substantive control and application of quarantine rules on various carriers, incoming pilgrims and imported food stuffs to protect the Kingdom against infiltration and spread of infections. Such centers are the front defense line to prevent inbound infectious diseases, by taking precautionary measures towards pilgrims, their luggage and carriers.
“These centers ensure compliance with health requirements by all incoming pilgrims, mainly those from countries with high epidemic rates of certain diseases, to prevent inbound infections. To do this, MOH inspects pilgrim’s traveling documents that prove their vaccination in their respective countries (international certificate of vaccination). MOH also inspects all carriers (flights, ships, vehicles, buses) to ensure their compliance with health standards. In addition, MOH liaises with concerned authorities of access points to sample food items brought along by pilgrims. Likewise, these centers register incoming pilgrims and report the preventive measures applied both in their countries and access points.”, MOH stresses.