- Photo R-L: Dr Abubakar Adamu Ismail, Head of NAHCON’s Nigeria Medical Mission in Saudi Arabia and Malam Ahmad Muhammed Musa, NAHCON Head of Media Operations in Makkah during an interactive session with members of the NAHCON National Media Team.
By Mikail Mumuni in Makkah
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has asked Nigerian pilgrims to keep away from the blazing sun while in Saudi Arabia in order to avoid heat stroke.
Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi gave the advice on Tuesday, through Dr Abubakar Adamu Ismail, Head of NAHCON’s Nigeria Medical Mission in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
Speaking at the NAHCON Office in Makkah during an interactive session with members of the National Media Team (NMT), Dr Ismail said it is projected that temperature in Saudi Arabia
may rise to as high as 50 degree Celsius.
This, according him, raises the possibilities of heat stroke.
Dr Ismail who however said no case of heat stroke had been recorded so far among Nigerian pilgrims said the Medical Mission was being proactive by adopting the policy of “prevention is better than cure”.
“People need to avoid the harsh sun as much as possible. If they must go out don’t leave your hotel without a bottle of water. If it finishes replenish. Sip water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Also, have umbrella,” he advised.
He said the elderly are more prone to heat stroke because of their low immunity, adding that this was why they must be more careful.
He however said the two deaths recorded among Nigerians so far had no relationship with heat stroke.
Dr Ismail directed Nigerian medical officers involved in the Hajj operations to always be on the alert and on the look out for Nigerians as emergency issues may arise anytime and anywhere.
He said there is synergy between members of the National Medical Team and the Medical Teams of the States, assuring that they are working in concert for the wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims.
