DUBAI, 31st July, 2017 (WAM) -- The Ministry of Health and Prevention has launched an awareness health campaign for this years Hajj in cooperation with the Health Authority - Abu Dhabi, HAAD, and Dubai Health Authority.

The campaign aims to provide medical counseling and health advice to pilgrims and offers optional seasonal flu and pneumococcal vaccines to ensure their safety and health during their pilgrimage. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the ministrys Dubai office.

Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, the Ministrys Assistant Under-Secretary for Health Centers and Clinics, said the campaign is aligned with the ministrys goals of minimising the pilgrims exposure to health risks and preventing the spread of diseases while performing Hajj. It is also part of the ministrys efforts to enhance the local health sector, protect UAE society from communicable diseases, and prevent the spread of illnesses in communities.

Al Rand also underscored the importance of vaccinations as a preventive measure.

Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Director of Public Health Department, HAAD said, "Believing that prevention is better than cure and in light of our continuing commitment towards ensuring the safety of pilgrims, the authority calls upon all pilgrims wishing to perform Hajj this year to take all preventive measures that aims to keep them safe and protected from potential infectious diseases as a result of the overcrowding of pilgrims from different parts of the world, interacting with people of different cultures, races and ages, as well as different health risks.

"To safeguard them, we encourage the pilgrims to undertake the necessary vaccinations prior to traveling, while also practicing personal hygiene, getting enough rest and adequate intake of fluids." Al Hajeri added that all UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi can receive the necessary vaccinations free-of-charge at most of the health centres of the Abu Dhabi Health Services.

The list of health centres offering Hajj vaccinations can be found on HAAD website or by calling on 800 555.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.