* Saudi authorities release health awareness materials in eight languages
Saudi Arabian health authorities and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) have intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise with the unveiling of new digital and health support initiatives aimed at improving pilgrims’ safety, welfare and overall spiritual experience during the pilgrimage.
The Saudi Ministry of Health and the Public Health Authority, known as Weqaya, announced the launch of a multilingual awareness guide for the Hajj season 1447 AH as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve health awareness among pilgrims from different parts of the world.
The initiative forms part of the Kingdom’s broader Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030 and is designed to provide comprehensive medical guidance covering all stages of the pilgrimage journey, beginning from pre Hajj preparation through the completion of Hajj rites in the holy sites.
According to the Saudi authorities, the guide focuses extensively on preventive health measures during Hajj, especially protection against heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which remain major concerns during pilgrimage seasons due to extreme temperatures and large gatherings of worshippers.
The health guide also contains detailed instructions on reducing the spread of respiratory infections in crowded environments, while promoting health safety practices intended to minimise risks associated with high density gatherings across Makkah, Mina, Arafat and Madinah.
In addition, the authorities explained that the guide includes practical first aid instructions, offering step by step emergency response guidance to help pilgrims manage health situations before professional medical assistance becomes available.
Special attention was equally given to vulnerable and priority groups, including elderly pilgrims and individuals with underlying health conditions. Tailored advice was provided to support them in maintaining stability and avoiding health complications while carrying out the physically demanding pilgrimage rites.
The awareness material further contains recommendations on food safety and preventive measures against foodborne illnesses, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s continued emphasis on ensuring safe and healthy pilgrimage conditions.
The Ministry of Health and Weqaya stated that the awareness guide has been produced in eight languages namely Arabic, English, French, Urdu, Persian, Indonesian, Turkish and Malay to ensure accessibility for pilgrims of different nationalities and linguistic backgrounds.
The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening preventive awareness campaigns, promoting healthy behaviour and enhancing the overall preparedness of pilgrims before arrival in the Kingdom.
Pilgrims were also urged to consult the guide through official digital platforms before and during their stay in the holy sites. According to the authorities, “pilgrims are encouraged to review the guide via official health platforms and digital channels.”
The English version of the guide is accessible through the Saudi Ministry of Health digital platform.
NAHCON introduces digital support platform with GPS navigation, complaint system
Meanwhile, in Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has launched a new digital platform known as the Hajj Companion App to support Nigerian pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage exercise.
The commission described the application as an all in one digital support platform designed to improve coordination, convenience, safety and communication during Hajj.
According to NAHCON, the app contains several user focused features aimed at enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims travelling to the Kingdom for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
Among the major features is a GPS navigation system designed to help pilgrims easily locate their tents and important locations across Makkah, Mina and Madinah, thereby reducing confusion and movement related challenges commonly experienced during Hajj operations.
The application also includes a comprehensive Hajj guide translated into major Nigerian languages including Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo to ensure wider accessibility among intending pilgrims from different parts of the country.
NAHCON further disclosed that the platform comes with a twenty four hour call centre for real time assistance and emergency support during the pilgrimage period.
In addition, the application features a built in complaint and feedback system that allows pilgrims to report challenges, emergencies or welfare concerns directly through their mobile devices for prompt attention by officials.
The commission explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve service delivery, strengthen responsiveness and ensure a more organised Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON urged all intending pilgrims to download and actively utilise the application, stressing that the platform would significantly support safety, coordination and convenience throughout the pilgrimage exercise.
The commission also appealed to stakeholders, state pilgrims boards, tour operators and members of the public to help disseminate information about the digital platform as preparations intensify for what officials hope will be a smooth, successful and hitch free Hajj operation for Nigerian pilgrims.
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