2022 Hajj: Saudi Arabia demands monkeypox status as Lagos pilgrims arrive Madinah
By Murtala Adewale (Kano) and Shakirah Adunola (Lagos)
16 June 2022
Airlift from Jigawa, Kaduna relocated to Kano over security concerns
The Saudi Arabia government has mandated intending pilgrims travelling to the kingdom for the 2022 Hajj to declare their monkeypox infection status.
In the new health protocol issued by the Saudi ministry of health, intending pilgrims must complete the monkeypox declaration form 24 hours prior to their departure.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has activated its emergency operations centre on monkeypox after it confirmed 21 cases with one death in nine states and the Federal Capital Territory in May, 2022.
A circular issued by the Royal Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Kano, yesterday, directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure pilgrims comply strictly with the requirement.
According to the circular, a pilgrim must declare that he or she has not come in contact with confirmed or suspected monkeypox cases in the 21 days preceding the date on the health declaration form and does not have symptoms or signs compatible with monkeypox.
This came as National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed that airlift of pilgrims from Kaduna and Jigawa states has been relocated to the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, due to security concerns.
