The European Hajj Mission of the Council of European Jamaats was invited as part of a special ‘Health at Hajj and Umrah' conference which was held in London on 16 November 2006 at the Royal college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. This event was organised by the Muslim Council of Britain and the Health Protection Agency, together with Queen Mary’s, University of London.
The conference brought together experts from Saudi Arabia, Australia, Singapore and the UK to share information on providing effective health advice and support to pilgrims.
Dr Husein Jiwa of the Health Improvement Board of the Council of European Jamaats presented an informative module of the medical services provided by the European Hajj Mission to pilgrims prior to hajj and during hajj. His presentation included the pre-hajj seminar which emphasised the importance of prophylactic measures such as immunisation against common illnesses during Hajj.
Dr Jiwa marked the EHM’s 20th anniversary of Hajj experience and shared the high quality of services provided by the EHM’s medical team to pilgrims. He said, ‘our aim is to keep our pilgrims healthy during the spiritual journey so that they can perform the rites and rituals of Hajj.’
Professor David Hill, Director of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC), said: “By bringing together this expertise during the conference we can ensure that the very best information will be given to protect the health of the many thousands of UK Hajj pilgrims.”
Robert Booy, Honorary Professor of Child Health at Queen Mary, University of London , added:
“ Particularly in winter, influenza is a major risk and although authorities in Saudi do not yet require evidence of immunisation, influenza is a serious risk to pilgrims and I would strongly urge those in an ‘at risk' group to consider vaccination before they travel.” Practical
Dr Shuja Shafi , Health & Medical Committee/ Chair, Spiritual Care Advisory Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain and a Health Protection Agency consultant, said: "Pilgrims are urged to ensure that preparations for Hajj should include all possible precautions to stay healthy and perform all the rites of the Hajj. They should seek advice on appropriate immunisations and consult their doctor for existing medical conditions. By doing this they will not only protect themselves from infections, but also prevent passing them on to fellow pilgrims. Responsible tour operators must encourage and ensure that pilgrims have followed such advice”.
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