19^th September, 2011

London: The Council of British Hajjis (CBH) has launched a national campiagn for pilgrims to the Hajj through it’s health and safety programmes and are advising pilgrims to protect themselves from various communcable and infectious diseases.

In line with the Saudi Arabian’s Ministry of Health’s requirement that all pilgrims be inoculated against Meningities, the CBH is running an effective Hajj Camp where pilgrims are being inoculated against the ACWY strain of Meningitis which is a mandatory requirement for a Hajj Visa and the clinics have been so popular that they have all been over subscribed.

Rashid Mogradia CEO at the CBH said:

“Our clinics offer a one stop shop for travellers to the Hajj to pickup essential tips and advice and the mandatory jab for Hajj. The success has been in that we are offering it at a substantially low costs comapred to that of a GP and have
developed a strong network with partners and volunteers whch enables us to deliver at grass roots and at the heart of the community where it matters thus promoting a better understanding of health & safety at Hajj in order to enhance the experience of the ulitmate journey of a lifetime – the Hajj”.

Dr Syed Mohid-uddin who has led a delegation of British Doctors to the Hajj and runs the clinics said:

“It is important that pilgrims understand the risk of Meningitis and that they take the necessary jabs in order to protect themselves and their family. The Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine is effective for three years for Hajj or Umah and should be taken at least 10 days before travel. Those with chronic illnesses should see their GP as they may require additional protection such as the flu jab which is recommended”.

The Council of British Hajjis has asked the British Government to to support British citizens undertaking the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Makkah (Mecca), Saudi Arabia, by sending a Medical Team and volunteers with the appropriate supplies to support and treat around 25,000 British pilgrims who will be undertaking the pilgrimage & thereby reduce illness and burden on the NHS on return.

Pilgrims are also being warned to look out for bogus and unscrupulous tour operators who dupe pilgrims off their life savings and to book with reputable ATOL protected Tour Operators for total peace of mind.

Around 25,000 British Citizens are expected to perform the annual Hajj this year with almost 3 million attending worldwide to Makkah, Saudi Arabia.

The Council of British Hajjis is UK’s leading Hajj & Umrah chartiy working for the welafre of British travellers and service providers and the only Hajj and Umrah specific charity who is the partner of Foreign & Commonwealth Offices’ Know Before You Campaign.

For more info on what to do when booking a pilgrimage and for advice and support or to book a lost at our Hajj Vaccinations clinics visit www.cbhuk.org , email info@the-cbh.org.uk or call 0845 833 4145. Know Before You Go visit www.fco.gov.uk/travel .