ISLAMABAD  - In view of the potential threat posed by reported incidence of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome caused by the Corona Virus and the implications for Haj pilgrims from Pakistan, a meeting was held between senior officials of the ministry of national health services, regulations and co-ordination, and ministry of religious affairs to put in place measures to protect Haj pilgrims from contracting the virus.
The health officials briefed about the emergence, reported cases, likely source and mode of transmission and the health risks to the intending umrah / Haj pilgrims. It was conveyed that based on risk assessment, the WHO till date, does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions or any special screening arrangements at the airports. However, measures need to put in place to protect, quickly identify and properly manage any likely case of MERS-Corona Virus infections among Hujjaj.
The 'Guidelines for the Prevention, Control and Management' of MERS- Corona Virus developed by the National Institute of Health in the light of the latest WHO recommendations were shared, explained and queries responded.
It was agreed that the ministry of religious affairs will widely disseminate the guidelines to all stakeholders including private Haj organisers for information and sensitisation on preventive measures to be adopted by pilgrims including observing personal hygiene like washing hands, limiting close contact with other pilgrims, wearing protective mask etc.
The Director Haj would arrange MERS-CoV awareness sessions for the intending Pilgrims in Haj camps across Pakistan promoting frequent hand washing, cough etiquettes, use of mask in congested places and seeking healthcare for sickness. Special training sessions shall also be organised for the medical staff selected for Haj mission in Islamabad for which NIH/NHSRC will provide the resource persons. The ministry of national health services will provide technical material for the development, printing and dissemination of health education posters and leaflets by the ministry of religious affairs. These posters with preventive messages would be displayed prominently in Haji Camps and buildings in Saudi Arabia housing Pakistani pilgrims.
The Haj Medical Mission would also comprise of surveillance and infection control experts nominated by Ministry of National Health Services in response to the request already communicated by ministry of religious affairs. Sufficient supplies of the empiric broad spectrum antibiotics, soaps, alcohol-based sanitisers and personal protective equipment (gloves, gowns, surgical masks, N-95 respirators) shall be made available to the medical mission by the ministry of religious affairs.
Meanwhile, ministry of national health services through the central health establishment will also sensitise and train the airport health staff on MERS-CoV. The airport health authorities will also establish liaison with local tertiary care hospitals for timely referral and case management of any suspected MERS-CoV.