21st September 2009.

The Bolton Council of Mosque in partnership with the NHS Bolton and the Council of British Hajis has launched a health awareness campaign for those travelling to the Islamic Pilgrimage to Makkah, Saudi Arabia next month.

In addition to the travel vaccine requirement of Meningitis, the Saudi Authorities have asked all nations to ensure that pilgrims are vaccinated with the seasonal flu jab to minimise the risk of the pandemic swine flu.

Dr Liaqat Natha, chair of the BCOM health forum said "It is very important that the travellers follow the advice given out from the ministry of Hajj and the Saudia Arabian Embassy. We are working closely with the PCT and doctors to ensure that the relevant paperwork is also given, this will avoid any delays in having the Visas issued."




Rashid Mogradia of the Council of British Hajis said "It is of paramount importance we deliver the message to the pilgrims and tour operators in good time to ensure pilgrims are inoculated in time, minimising any health risks and promoting an altogether healthy Hajj. It is just as important to work with local NHS organisations such as NHS Bolton to drive the message home, and we are confident other PCT's across the country will also follow suit."

The annual Hajj pilgrimage is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and those financial able must perform it at least once in a lifetime. Approx 25,000 British Pilgrims make the journey of a lifetime to Saudi Arabia with approx 2.5milion attending worldwide. Hajj is expected to fall between November 25-30, 2009, Pilgrims will start to depart the UK at the end of next month.

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Further information is available via www.the-cbh.org.uk , http://www.nhs.uk and http://www.mofa.gov.sa