WHO Highlights Arbaeen Pilgrimage as One of World’s Largest Annual Gatherings, Continues Support for Iraq’s Health Preparedness
WHO Highlights Arbaeen Pilgrimage as One of World’s Largest Annual Gatherings, Continues Support for Iraq’s Health Preparedness
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has reaffirmed its continued support for Iraq’s health sector during the Arbaeen pilgrimage season, describing the event as one of the largest annual human gatherings in the world, attracting millions of pilgrims from Iraq and abroad.
WHO Representative in Iraq Dr. Jameela Al-Raibi said the organization is working with Iraq’s Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen the readiness of the healthcare system and respond to the health needs associated with the pilgrimage, helping protect pilgrims, healthcare workers, and host communities.
She explained that WHO’s support includes health planning, emergency preparedness, strengthening disease surveillance and early detection systems, improving rapid response capabilities, managing mass-casualty incidents, and developing the skills of healthcare personnel through specialized training programs.
Al-Raibi added that WHO is cooperating with the Karbala Health Directorate, local authorities, and the Holy Shrines of Imam Hussein and Al-Abbas (peace be upon them) through an integrated approach that combines public health, environmental safety, and disease prevention measures to provide a safe health environment for millions of pilgrims.
The organization has also supported health awareness campaigns by preparing evidence-based guidance materials and training more than 300 volunteers to promote food and water safety, prevention of infectious diseases, and protection against heat-related illnesses.
WHO praised Iraq’s ongoing efforts to enhance health preparedness for major gatherings, saying such investments strengthen national health security and improve the ability of healthcare institutions to respond to emergencies during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
