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Mass gatherings

Mass gatherings such as large-scale sports events and religious pilgrimages can pose public health challenges and put pressure on the host country’s public health resources. Our mass gatherings programme focuses on how to coordinate and enhance health security at these substantial and important events.

Examples include the Olympic Games, FIFA tournaments, Hajj, Umrah and Arba’een. For all such events, the host country must have extensive preparedness and response capabilities. Our team works with countries and partners to strengthen readiness for mass gatherings.

Core facets of this WHO support include work to:

apply appropriate standards to risk assessment, surveillance and response, including management of potential outbreaks, infection control and vaccination procedures;

support management plans for mass casualties and emergencies in local communities and event venues;

ensure that appropriate diagnostic capacities are put in place, including human resources and transportation procedures;

establish systems to provide visitors with up-to-date health advice on topics like vaccinations, food and water safety, and emergency contact information; and

develop and implement initiatives before and during mass gatherings to promote healthy behaviours such as increased physical activity and tobacco use cessation.

Guided by the International Health Regulations (2005), WHO works with countries and partners to improve planning initiatives for mass gatherings. The aim is to confirm that adequate planning, capacities and standards are in place. WHO can also extend technical support to countries to help them devise and execute effective strategies to manage public health risks associated with mass gatherings.

By improving planning and preparedness for mass gatherings, countries can effectively minimize the associated public health risks. It also ensures that the necessary resources and capacities are in place to tackle any public health emergencies that may occur.

Ultimately, efficient planning and preparedness for mass gatherings is vital to global health security. It protects both the well-being of event attendees and the broader community.