Latest news with #Al-Jalajel
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Reports Five Heat Exhaustion Cases Among Pilgrims, Urges Precautions Amid Soaring Temperatures
As temperatures soared at the holy sites, Saudi Arabia confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals. All those affected received immediate medical attention and are currently in a stable condition, according to the ministry of health, which added that health teams were on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom's commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims. The country's National Center for Meteorology has forecast hot to extremely hot weather conditions at the holy sites during this year's Hajj season. According to the center, maximum temperatures are expected to range between 40°C and 47°C, while minimum temperatures will vary between 27°C and 32°C. Humidity levels are projected to fluctuate between 15 percent and 60 percent. In a post on its X account, the ministry urged pilgrims to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and follow official health guidelines, such as using shaded walkways, wearing appropriate protective gear, and seeking help at the first signs of fatigue. 'If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke within 10-15 minutes — a life-threatening medical emergency,' the post stated. The ministry also advised pilgrims who experience heat exhaustion symptoms to begin immediate cooling measures, such as washing their hands, faces and necks with cold water and moving to a cooler area, as well as drinking plenty of cold water to rehydrate. In its post, the ministry identified headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst as key clinical symptoms of heat exhaustion. Multilingual awareness campaigns have been launched, and field preparedness has been reinforced, particularly in response to seasonal heat risks. The ministry had announced the health sector's readiness to receive pilgrims, revealing a 60 percent increase in bed capacity compared with last year. Fahad Al-Jalajel, the minister of health, recently confirmed the deployment of over 50,000 medical and technical personnel to serve pilgrims and emphasized the stability of the health situation, with no reported outbreaks or epidemics, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 'Health efforts began early in pilgrims' homelands by analyzing international health risks and issuing clear health requirements, including vaccinations against yellow fever, meningitis, polio, COVID-19, and influenza,' SPA reported, citing Al-Jalajel. The minister underscored the role of the health certificate as the first line of defense during the Hajj season, noting that the Kingdom's health system launched its services with the arrival of the first Makkah Route Initiative flight. As part of the Kingdom's comprehensive preparations, 14 land, air, and sea ports have been fully equipped, delivering more than 50,000 health services so far, including 140 surgical procedures, 65 cardiac catheterizations, and six open-heart surgeries, the minister said. To combat heatstroke risks, Al-Jalajel announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat. The ministry of health has also intensified awareness efforts through multilingual campaigns, stationing field teams, launching media programs, and organizing medical missions to ensure important health information reaches all pilgrims. Al-Jalajel further revealed the establishment of a new 200-bed emergency hospital in Mina, developed in collaboration with Kidana Development Co. In addition, three new field hospitals with more than 1,200 beds have been set up in partnership with the ministries of national guard, defense, and interior. These were inaugurated 'alongside 71 emergency points, 900 ambulances, 11 evacuation aircraft, and over 7,500 paramedics,' Al-Jalajel told SPA. The minister urged pilgrims to follow health guidelines and affirmed that the Kingdom's health system is operating at full capacity to ensure a safe and healthy Hajj season for all.
Roya News
7 days ago
- Health
- Roya News
Saudi Arabia reveals comprehensive safety plan for Hajj season 2025
Saudi Health Minister Fahd Al-Jalajel confirmed Monday that the general health conditions among Hajj pilgrims remain reassuring, with no outbreaks or epidemic threats detected so far. Speaking at a press conference in Riyadh, Al-Jalajel detailed the Ministry's preparations for the Hajj season, including the deployment of 11 air ambulance aircraft, 900 ambulances, and 71 medical points across the holy sites. Three field hospitals with a combined capacity of over 1,200 beds have been set up in coordination with the Ministries of Defense, Interior, and the National Guard. Additionally, a new emergency hospital with more than 200 beds has been established in Mina, raising the overall hospital bed capacity by 60 percent compared to last year. Al-Jalajel also revealed that critically ill pilgrims have been equipped with smart sensor devices linked to the Virtual Health Hospital—the largest of its kind globally—allowing remote monitoring of their conditions. So far, over 50,000 health services have been delivered through 14 land, air, and sea entry points, with 140 surgeries and 65 cardiac catheterizations performed. The minister stressed that pilgrims' adherence to preventive guidelines is crucial to ensuring a safe and healthy pilgrimage. To mitigate heat stress, the Royal Commission for Makkah and the Holy Sites has planted over 10,000 trees, installed 400 water dispensers, and placed misting fans across key locations. In related announcements, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser said rubberized and cooled walkways have been expanded, and drones are being used to monitor pilgrim movement.
Saudi Gazette
7 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Jalajel: No epidemic cases reported among pilgrims
Saudi Gazette report MAKKAH — Minister of Health Fahd Al-Jalajel confirmed that no epidemic cases have been detected among pilgrims to date. Addressing the government Hajj conference in Makkah on Monday, he said that the bed capacity allotted for the Hajj season of 2025 has been increased by 60 percent compared to last year. Al-Jalajel said that the plans developed by the Supreme Hajj Committee ensure a suitable environment for Hajj. He emphasized the importance of adhering to these plans, ensuring adequate water and umbrellas during high temperatures, and avoiding crowds and long walks. The minister highlighted the importance of pilgrims adhering to preventative measures, grouping instructions, and wearing masks. He urged pilgrims not to hesitate to seek help and assistance in any condition of sickness. He reviewed the ministry's preparations for this year's Hajj, explaining that the ministry's services began simultaneously with the arrival of the first batch of pilgrims through the "Makkah Route" Initiative. Al-Jalajel said that a new emergency hospital with a capacity of 200 beds has been established in Mina. He noted that more than 50,000 health services have been provided to pilgrims across 14 ports. Three field hospitals with a total capacity of over 1,200 beds have also been equipped in cooperation with the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of National Guard. Regarding the technologies used to enhance the Hajj health system, Al-Jalajel confirmed that all hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies for all medical services. He also emphasized the use of technologies provided by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) for monitoring the number of pilgrims, temperatures, and other information. He explained that the SEHA app provides medical services and consultations to pilgrims at their residences, without the need to travel to hospitals. This is achieved through a direct connection to the SEHA Virtual Hospital. "Pilgrims suffering from critical conditions have been equipped with smart sensors to monitor their health conditions. These sensors are connected to the SEHA Virtual Hospital, which is the largest of its kind in the world," he said. Regarding efforts to deal with emergency cases, Al-Jalajel indicated that 11 air evacuation aircraft have been provided for emergency cases, in addition to 900 ambulances, and 71 first aid points staffed by more than 7,500 paramedics.
Leaders
28-04-2025
- Health
- Leaders
Stride into Health: Saudi Launches 'Walk 30' Public Fitness Drive
Saudi Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel spearheaded a community walk at Riyadh's Sports Boulevard on Saturday, marking the launch of the Walk 30 public health campaign. The initiative aims to boost physical activity nationwide, targeting a minimum of 150 weekly minutes per participant. Al-Jalajel emphasized that Walk 30 tackles sedentary lifestyles, a critical health issue affecting over 80% of Saudis. The program promotes walking 30 minutes daily to foster lasting behavioral changes, reduce chronic disease risks, and enhance overall well-being. Surpassing National Fitness Milestones Recent data reveals promising progress: 58.5% of Saudi adults now meet the 150-minute weekly activity goal, exceeding 2024 targets. Meanwhile, 18.7% of youth achieve the recommended 60 daily minutes of exercise. These efforts align with Vision 2030's life expectancy target of 80 years, with current averages rising to 78.8 years. 'Walk 30, now in its fifth season, serves as a cornerstone of our health transformation under Vision 2030,' Al-Jalajel stated. He highlighted that consistent walking slashes heart disease risk by 30% and stroke likelihood by 40%. With summer temperatures rising, Al-Jalajel urged residents to prioritize evening walks, hydration, and shaded areas. He also showcased the Healthy Mall program, operational since 2019, which converts shopping centers into air-conditioned walking tracks with water stations and nutritious dining options. Authorities transformed malls into vibrant fitness spaces, offering safe environments for families to walk year-round. The initiative now spans multiple cities, reflecting growing public enthusiasm for accessible health solutions. Global Ambitions for Walk 30 Success Al-Jalajel revealed plans to expand Walk 30 internationally, citing collaboration with WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during its fourth season. 'Our seasonal programs—from winter to summer—can inspire global partnerships,' he said, underscoring Saudi Arabia's leadership in scalable health innovations. Building on this momentum, Walk 30 continues to unite communities, proving that small daily steps can drive transformative national change. Short link : Post Views: 1
Arab News
27-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi health minister leads Walk 30 initiative at Sports Boulevard
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel led a walk at Riyadh's Sports Boulevard on Saturday to kick off the Walk 30 public health initiative. Al-Jalajel told Arab News that one of the aims of the program is to increase activity among the Kingdom's population, with the goal of at least 150 minutes each week. Walk 30 aims to address the health challenge of physical inactivity, which currently affects over 80 percent of people. The campaign encourages a simple, but effective, goal: Walk 30 minutes per day, or 150 minutes per week, to achieve long-term behavioral change, and become healthier and more active. 'Walk 30, in its fifth season, is considered a pillar of the health and quality of life transformations,' Al-Jalajel said. The push for healthier lifestyles is bearing fruit, with 58.5 percent of adults now engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, above the 2024 target. Among children and adolescents, 18.7 percent meet the daily 60-minute activity recommendation. These efforts have contributed to a rise in average life expectancy, which now stands at 78.8 years, edging closer to the Vision 2030 target of 80 years. 'I'm really glad to see Walk 30 today achieving a new record,' Al-Jalajel said. He said that walking, even for 30 minutes a day, enhances one's health and can lower the risk of chronic illnesses, including heartburn by 30 percent and strokes by 40 percent. With the approach of summer and higher temperatures, the minister advised people to walk in the evenings, when it is cooler, and to stay hydrated and shaded. He also highlighted the Healthy Mall program, which encourages people to take exercise in shopping malls. The program began in 2019, and takes place in several locations across the Kingdom. Malls have been transformed into places where members of the community can comfortably walk, featuring stations for bottled drinking water and restaurants serving healthy meals. Al-Jalajel said: 'We think that Walk 30 is something that can be replicated in different countries. Last season we had Dr. Tedros (Adhanom Ghebreyesus), director-general of WHO, participating with us, and they have a walking program, too. 'We have multiple initiatives for advancing Walk 30 in the wintertime, in the summertime, and we can participate with different countries on that,' he said.
