The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says 402 medical personnel have been assigned to serve Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for the 2024 hajj exercise.
Abubakar Ismail, head of NAHCON’s medical mission in Saudi Arabia, spoke at a press conference in Makkah on Tuesday.
Ismail said over 65,000 Nigerian pilgrims are expected to participate in the hajj, noting that the Saudi authorities recommended one doctor per 1,000 pilgrims.
He noted that the temperature in Saudi Arabia is expected to rise as high as 50 degrees Celsius during the peak of the hajj, making heatwaves a major concern for authorities.
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He added that NAHCON’s medical mission is collaborating with state medical teams and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority to monitor pilgrims and provide adequate orientation and care.
Ismail said the commission is employing preventive measures to protect Nigerian pilgrims from heat-related medical emergencies.
“Pilgrims need to avoid the harsh sun as much as possible. If they must go out, they should carry a water bottle and continuously sip on water, even if they don’t feel thirsty,” he said.
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“The use of umbrellas is also very important. We urge elderly pilgrims to take extra precautions as they are more vulnerable due to weaker immune systems.”
Ismail further noted that the two deaths recorded earlier in the week were unrelated to the heatwave.
“The two deaths we have recorded so far are of elderly pilgrims with critical underlying health conditions. Their deaths were unrelated to the heatwave,” he explained.
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