FCTA VACCINATES 2026 INTENDING HAJJ PILGRIMS AGAINST PRIORITY TRAVEL AND EPIDEMIC-PRONE DISEASES

By: Khadijat Kawunda

The Federal Capital Territory Administration, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, through its Public Health Department’s International Health and Travel Clinic Unit, has successfully concluded the main phase of vaccination for 2026 intending Hajj pilgrims from the FCT, as part of deliberate efforts to protect pilgrims’ health and prevent the international spread of communicable diseases during the pilgrimage.

The exercise covered vaccination against Yellow Fever, Cerebrospinal Meningitis (ACYW135), Polio, Diphtheria, COVID-19 booster dose, and Hepatitis B.

These vaccines are essential for safeguarding pilgrims against priority epidemic-prone diseases and upper respiratory tract infections, while also ensuring compliance with the mandatory health requirements for international travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).

The two-day exercise was conducted on Saturday, 11th April, and Sunday, 12th April 2026, at the FCT Permanent Hajj Orientation Camp, Bassan Jiwa, where intending pilgrims were vaccinated by trained health personnel under strict public health and safety protocols.

The Department noted that the exercise forms a critical component of measures aimed at preventing the cross-border transmission of diseases, particularly during mass gatherings such as the Hajj pilgrimage.

Abuja Digest reports that to ensure that no eligible pilgrim is left out, the Unit has scheduled ongoing mop-up activities at the FCT Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC), APDC Building, Area 11, Abuja.

The FCT Public Health Department reassures residents of its continued commitment to protecting public health, strengthening international travel health services, and supporting the safe participation of FCT pilgrims in global religious activities.