No flu certifcate - no Hajj
5:56pm Thursday 1st October 2009 in Search By Asian Image reporter
Pilgrims planning to travel for the annual Hajj, will need to produce a valid flu certificate.
The Council of British Hajjis (Pilgrims) a national charity have launched a Pre‐travel health and safety awareness campaign which has seen 250 plus tour operators across the country briefed on the coming Hajj season and a series of Pilgrim Hajj awareness seminars organised to drive home the message of health and safety at Hajj.
Rashid Mogradia of the CBH who's headquarters are in Bolton said "It is of paramount importance we deliver the message to the pilgrims and tour operators in good time to ensure they are inoculated with the necessary vaccinations, minimising any health risks and promoting an altogether healthy Hajj".
In a bid to reduce impact on public health, the CBH have also secured FREE flu vaccinations for pilgrims residing in Bolton in partnership with Bolton PCT and the Bolton Council of Mosques. Graham Munslow, Public Health Specialist at NHS Bolton said "the PCT has always been proactive in introducing safeguards and it is keen to protect the health of pilgrims to the Hajj".
Lord Adam Patel who heads the Foreign Offices' British Hajj Delegation said, "The CBH has become a recognised brand for UK pilgrims to seek support and advice and it is encouraging to see NHS Bolton taking the initiative and supporting pilgrims, I hope other PCT's will follow suit.
"Pilgrims must ensure they take the required vaccinations in good time, in not doing so they will be putting themselves, their families and friends at risk. I encourage all pilgrims no matter what their health condition, to seek professional medical advice from their GP prior to going abroad.
"It is just as important that the Hajj and Umrah tour operators have plans in place to deal with their passengers and we urge them to carry out the necessary risk assessments for a hassle free journey of a lifetime".
Dr Mohammed Jiva who is part of the FCO hajj delegation acknowledged that this year will be the greatest challenge to the FCO British Medical Hajj Team "with the emergence of the 2nd wave of Swine Flu and aggregation of pilgrims from around the world with rituals which will result in close contact between pilgrims will increase the risk of transmission of the H1N1 virus.
Seminars arranged by the CBH will provide guidance on how to minimise the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus".
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a recommendation that those who are unfit to travel should postpone their Hajj. These include children, pregnant women, elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
The CBH Yorkshire Hajj event is on the 4th October 2009 in Batley and the Northwest event is on Sunday 11th October 2009 at the BCOM Conference Suite, Bolton where pilgrims can learn practical health and safety tips and is Free to attend. A Hajj clinic will also be run to provide health tips and vaccinations to the pilgrims and those interested in pre‐travel advice.
The CBH will also be exhibiting at the Bolton University's Health Mela on Saturday 25th October, 2009. For further information visit www.the-cbh.org.uk
