GCMGM is part of an international WHO collaboration with the following terms of reference
KSA has invested greatly in all fields of MGS to ensure the safety of the huge number of pilgrims during the yearly hajj and Umrah.
KSA will be a reference source of MGS health and management information, expertise and knowledge nationally and internationally.
Research will help inform decision making in relation to public health recommendations for hajj and Umrah and other mgs events worldwide
International recognition of KSA expertise and work in the development of the field of MGS health and management
Creating a collaborative working environment and coordination platform for main health stakeholders (Local, regional, national, and international levels)
Mobilizing WHO and its collaborative centers capacity to advice on “know how” to ensure knowledge transfer and adopting best practices by MOH and other health sectors
Utilizing modern technologies in the area of mass gatherings health and management
To be an International leader in mass gatherings health and management
Developing the infrastructure and establishing capabilities in the area of mass gatherings health and management in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure health and safety among human populations
Developing and applying strategies, policies and regulations built on scientific based evidence and documentation, and developing human resource in the health and management of Mass Gatherings through utilizing the Kingdom’s vast expertise in this area
Nations pride their civilizations and race to highlight such platforms. This is showcased in holding mass gathering events; either religious festivals to cultural, sporting, recreational or commercial activities. All events need to be dealt with a manner that safeguards the wellbeing and health of attendees, participants, and the environment.
A mass gathering is a planned or spontaneous event where the number of people attending could strain the planning and response resources of the community or country hosting the event.
For health resources to plan and respond to a mass gathering event, it needs to assure the provision of preventive health services to prevent and reduce any diseases or injuries, and appropriate health care services to deliver on scene or transfer. In addition, the large crowds may lead to a greater risk that requires the readiness to respond. Nonetheless, we are working to take advantage of the opportunities and move from the level of response to building and developing a sustainable health system, or what has been called a Legacy.
These principles are the beacon of hard work provided by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to pilgrims to facilitate the rituals of Hajj and Umrah, and the mission of the Kingdom. This is provided with national and religious pride, and reinforced by the maximum support of His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. The Kingdom provides huge resources at all levels, and the MoH has accumulated a wealth of experience. In accordance with the approval of His Majesty No. 7190, dated 30/12/2013, establishing the Global Center for Mass Gathering Medicine (GCMGM).
It was announced during the first conference on Mass Gathering Medicine as a collaborating center with the World Health Organization (WHO). It was also adopted by the Council of Ministers of Health of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Council of Arab Ministers of Health and the General Assembly of the World Health Organization in Geneva. It had the recognition to be a global reference for in the field of Mass Gathering Medicine.
The Center continues to perform its role in managing the health risks of the masses, whether in the development of integrated services in Hajj and Umrah or any other event in the Kingdom. It is also working to build national and regional capacities by developing courses and programs. The Center held three international conferences on Mass Gathering Medicine, made several international recommendations, and has published many scientific papers published in highly cited international journals. The Center also developed the Jeddah Tool, which provides a framework for managing health risks in religious gatherings, then set up workshops with WHO to train other countries to use them. The Center seeks to continue and grow by providing activities that promote the important and vital specialization and highlight the Kingdom's efforts in this field.
