The Ministry of Environment and Water, in cooperation and coordination with Dubai Health Authority and Dubai Municipality, has organized the ‘Health during Hajj’ event at the ministry’s headquarters in Dubai as part of its commitment to promote social responsibility and raise health awareness amongst its employees. H.E. Eng. Saif Al-Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Livestock Affairs, led the ministry’s senior officials and employees during the event’s inauguration.
The event comes amidst the ministry’s intensified efforts to increase awareness on food safety as well as ways to prevent the spread of potential infectious diseases during pilgrimages. Participants were advised to take precautionary measures and prepare all the essentials such as medicines for those with chronic diseases before going and performing Hajj.
The initiative featured a host of activities aimed at educating and guiding pilgrims about the common health issues during hajj such as food poisoning as well as the appropriate measures and precautions to be taken. It also served as an opportunity to inform the pilgrims about the types of available vaccines to improve their immune system and warned them against conditions that might trigger a disease or health problem during the Hajj season. The attendees were given advice on nutritious energy boosting food to ensure that they have the strength to perform Hajj rituals. Experts also strongly recommended that the pilgrims carry with them first-aid kits and medications especially for the elderly and for those with chronic illnesses. Basic hygiene such as hand washing is also essential in preventing diseases, they reminded.
Medical tests including blood pressure and sugar level readings were conducted throughout the event. Furthermore, Al Rayah Hajj Umra Tourism gave pointers to guide pilgrims before and during Hajj and Hajj rituals performed by students of Al Jahiz Basic School also formed part of the event.
The Ministry of Environment and Water is continuously working on reinforcing its Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives through promotion of a culture of health, while establishing and sustaining active channels of communication with the public. This is done through purpose-based events and positive interaction with all segments of society.
The ministry commended the participants for their contributions to the success of the event, which highlighted their role and increased their awareness on safety and health guidelines during Hajj season. The event was in line with the leadership’s commitment and aspirations to provide care and protect the welfare of all UAE citizens and residents.