TEHRAN: The 4th International congress on Health in Arbaeen was held in Razi Hall at the Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, from July 3rd to 5th, 2024. The congress aimed to provide a platform for healthcare professionals and researchers to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and discuss the latest advancements in the field of healthcare. The event featured 35 international and National keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops on various topics, including medicine, healthcare management, and medical education. It was expected to attract participants from around the world to share their expertise and learn from others in the field.
The congress focused on the trauma, accidents and environmental hazards, artificial intelligence, traditional medicine, processions, environmental health, nursing; relief and rescue. It also covered rehabilitation; forensic medicine; mental health; nutrition; cultural issues; pharmaceuticals; medical tools; as well as mawkibs (voluntary stations to serve the pilgrims).
Opening Ceremony
Held in Imam Hussain Hall, it was attended by around 3,500 participants from both national and international backgrounds, including representatives from six countries such as Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Palestine, Kuwait, and Turkey. Over the course of three days, healthcare experts highlighted the significant accomplishments, success stories, and challenges associated with healthcare and treatment services provided during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
The growing number of pilgrims led to a greater demand for more efficient services, prompting the congress to focus on improving and enhancing existing services. This was accomplished by addressing past issues and emphasizing better coordination between departments and stronger collaborations with service providers. A total of 350 papers in Arabic, Persian, and English were presented, along with 40 scientific workshops.
Prof Ali Abid Saadoon (The Dean of College of Medicine University of Wrath ul Anbiya Karbala, Iraq), talked on Mass gatherings issues; Arba’een pilgrimage is an example. He said this pose challenges such as inadequate health facilities, infectious disease risks, and logistical hurdles. Thorough planning and coordination are imperative, with government and international bodies playing a crucial role in managing these events. Further research and improvement are needed, emphasizing continuous evaluation and adaptation of strategies to ensure participant safety and well-being.
Other eminUuniversity of Warith Al-Anbiyaa, Prof Dr Osamah Abdul Hasan Al-Dulaimi, (orthopedic Surgeon), Prof Dr Safauldeen Salim Neamah Al-Baaj (Laparoscopic and Plastic surgeon) , Dr Muhammed Emin Boylu, Dr Fadil Agla Bonyan, Dr Ahmad Sami Rasalan, Dr Faris Hassan Al-Lami. Dr Haider Mohammed Al-Hussein (Haider Karbalai), Dr Sayed Hamid Al-Hosseini, Dr Haider Mohammed Abdullah, Dr Khamis Ahmad, Dr Alaa Abdulrahman Habeeb, AbdulAmeer Kareem Alobaidi, Dr Ali Abdul Ameer Shawkat, Dr Ali Mahmood Sahib Al- Shammari, Dr GH Taqqi (Kuwait) , Dr Salman Y, Dr Faris Hassan Al-Lami. Speakers from Lebanon were Dr Jamal Taksh, Dr Hassan Bourji, Dr Malek Mussa, Dr Kasim Jafar and Dr Hussein Hawilo.
Dr Derar Alkosa Pales, spoke on the current horrible situation in Gaza, the mass genocide of Muslims and the waste destruction of healthcare systems in Gaza. He said it is a concerning issue in Gaza due to the current Hamas and Israel which has led to significant damage to healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, exacerbating an already dire situation. According to him, Israel’s military operations and blockade have resulted in the destruction of hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities, putting the health of Gaza’s two million people at risk. Moreover, the closure of borders and restrictions on medical supplies have severely restricted access to healthcare, exacerbating humanitarian crises and healthcare inequities.
A delegation from Pakistan also participated in this congress. Prof Mulazim Hussain Bukhari presented the data on Exploring the Importance of Addressing Health Risks in Mass Gatherings: A Path to Enhancing Safety and Enjoyment in Pilgrimage Experiences.
Prof Salma Aslam Kundi addressed on Science of Mental Health and Wellbeing’s and , Role of Karbala in Prevention of Personal and Professional Burnout, Dr Azhar Jadoon’s talk was how to prevent pilgrims from heat stroke. Prof Kamran Chaudhry discussed Strategies to enhance disaster management for this spiritual journey Karbala during Arbaeen. Prof Nadia Naseem addressed the Profound Psychological Issues Attending Spiritual Journey of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage: How to Address Psychological Issues In Arbaeen? Dr Asad spoke on Arbaeen in the Kerbala: An infinite guide to spiritual and Moral Training of our Offspring’s
Recommendations
To address challenges in mass gatherings like the Arba’een pilgrimage, implementing health screening, enhancing sanitation, improving infrastructure, and ensuring effective communication are crucial. Preparedness through thorough planning and coordination, government involvement, and continuous evaluation plays a vital role in managing such events. Areas for improvement include training, education, and research to enhance safety measures and well-being of participant’s in future mass gatherings. Mulazim Hussain Bukhari, Ali Abid Saadoon, Zainab Tammanaie have contributed to this write-up.
