Every year, Saudi Arabia hosts millions of religious pilgrims arriving from all over the world to perform the rituals of the Hajj.
In the Hajj season of 2019, His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, the Saudi minister of the interior, chaired the Higher Hajj Committee to ensure the safety and security of an estimated 2.5 million visitors.
The World Health Organization (WHO) commended the government of Saudi Arabia for hosting the pilgrimage to Mecca without any health crisis or disease outbreaks, despite the discomforts of the August heat.
Before the Hajj season, a WHO team visited health care centers and hospitals in Mena, Muzdalefa and Arafat in Saudi Arabia to observe preparations.
Saudi authorities were well prepared to prevent and respond to health risks from such mass gatherings, including heat stroke, food poisoning and communicable diseases, according to a WHO statement.
The rituals of the Hajj proceeded without incident, a tribute to the preparations of security forces under the supervision of Prince Abdulaziz.
Before the arrival of most pilgrims, troops showcased their training, discipline and equipment at a military parade in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Badr bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of Mecca province.
Sources: Al Arabiya, World Health Organization-EMRO
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