The Ministry of Health announced, praise be to Allah, that the 1447H Hajj season concluded without any disease outbreaks or public health threats. The Ministry confirmed that pilgrims’ overall health remained stable and reassuring throughout the season despite simultaneous global disease outbreaks and international health developments that required the highest levels of surveillance, preparedness, and readiness.
The announcement followed the declaration by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Deputy Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, confirming the successful completion of this year’s Hajj season on all levels. The announcement was made on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al Faisal, Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Governor of Makkah Region and Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, and on behalf of His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Supreme Hajj Committee.
Minister of Health H.E. Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel said that the absence of disease outbreaks and public health threats during Hajj, despite concurrent global health challenges, reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment—under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince—to safeguarding pilgrims’ health and demonstrates the readiness of the healthcare system and its effective coordination with government entities.
He added that Saudi Arabia recognizes its responsibility to protect public health not only within the Kingdom but also globally, given that millions of Muslims gather for Hajj and then return safely to their home countries after completing their pilgrimage.
The Ministry noted that this year’s Hajj coincided with international public health developments, including Ebola outbreaks in several countries and reported Hantavirus cases internationally. This reinforced the importance of early preparedness, continuous epidemiological surveillance, coordination with national and international health authorities, and maintaining readiness to respond to any potential health risks. No suspected or confirmed cases of Ebola, Hantavirus, or any other disease posing a public health threat were detected among pilgrims during the season.
The Ministry explained that the healthcare system operated around the clock, providing integrated preventive, curative, emergency, and awareness services, alongside continuous epidemiological surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and close coordination with government entities participating in Hajj operations, enabling pilgrims to perform their rituals safely and with peace of mind.
The Ministry affirmed that the successful health outcomes of Hajj reflect the Kingdom’s continued leadership support in serving pilgrims by mobilizing all human, technical, and organizational resources to safeguard their health and well-being.
It also praised the Supreme Hajj Committee, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Interior, for its leadership and coordination among participating entities, which strengthened operational readiness throughout the season.
The Ministry further commended the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee in Makkah, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Khalid Al Faisal and closely supervised by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, as well as the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee in Madinah, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz. Their integrated field efforts contributed significantly to facilitating services and ensuring the highest standards of safety and organization.
The Ministry concluded by expressing its appreciation to healthcare professionals, security personnel, and all participating entities for their dedication, professionalism, and cooperation, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s leadership in mass gathering management, public health protection, and healthcare services for pilgrims.