Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement and exposure to the sun during peak heat periods, especially between 12 noon and 3:30 pm, to prevent heat-related illnesses in Makkah.
The Head of the Nigerian Medical Mission, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar, and the Head of Public Health, Professor Lawal Amadu, gave the advice on Friday in view of the intense heat currently being experienced in Makkah.
They urged pilgrims to remain in their hotel rooms or within the premises of the Haram, the Grand Mosque in Makkah, whenever possible.
According to the medical professionals, pilgrims who need to go out during the peak heat periods should use umbrellas and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
The officials also stressed the importance of adequate hydration, encouraging pilgrims to drink plenty of fluids regularly to prevent dehydration and heatstroke.
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Dr Abubakar disclosed that the Nigerian Medical Mission was intensifying sensitisation campaigns for Nigerian pilgrims in the Holy Land on heat-related illnesses in Makkah.
According to him, the sensitisation campaign would continue throughout the Hajj period to ensure the safety and wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The head of the medical mission added that the sensitisation efforts began in Nigeria before the arrival of pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to him, “In fact, even before we departed for this year’s Hajj, we had been sensitising all our pilgrims. You know, what we call mobilisation and sensitisation activities are ongoing. “The temperature is the number one concern. You have to look at the weather conditions. You do not just roam around. The temperature is so high. So a lot of sensitisation is ongoing.”
