10 December 2011 – Following an invitation from the Government of Saudi Arabia, a team from the WHO Regional Office participated in a mission to observe the public health measures undertaken by Saudi Arabia for the annual Muslim hajj pilgrimage.

The team visited field hospitals set up at selected points of entry to see the curative, preventive and promotive health services provided for millions of pilgrims. They also reviewed the public surveillance systems for early detection of, and response to, infectious disease outbreaks and assessed the risk communication messages given to the pilgrims.

The WHO team noted with appreciation the high level of health care services made available to the pilgrims, which facilitated the performance of their religious duties free from ill-health, in comfort and with peace of mind.