Cholera epidemic figures in Yemen were exaggerated, says KSRelief

Dr. Samer A. Aljetaily speaks at the press conference in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo)
Updated 09 January 2018
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Cholera epidemic figures in Yemen were exaggerated, says KSRelief

RIYADH: The King Salman Center for Humanitarian Aid and Relief (KSRelief), which has launched rapid response efforts to contain the cholera outbreak in strife-torn Yemen, said Monday that the extent of the epidemic was exaggerated by a section of media and international organizations.
Addressing a news conference here, KSRelief spokesman Dr. Samer A. Aljetaily told reporters that the cholera outbreak in Yemen had been blown out of proportion by the media.
Speaking to Arab News, Aljetaily said: “I think there is a misconception about the terminology and the definition of the epidemic used in reports. Unfortunately some of the organizations talked about suspected cases as if they are confirmed cases, and there is a big difference between the two.”
He said that some other infections, too, were reported as cholera, which was inappropriate. “There is no criteria for description of the cholera cases inside Yemen. We thought of this actually after consulting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the leading national public health institute of the United States, that there is manipulation of the data. The data is inaccurate, so the number was exaggerated and the issue blown out of proportion by a section of the media,” he said.
“Some organizations like to draw a very dark picture of what is happening in Yemen,” he underlined. He said a possible reason for exaggerating facts and figures was that “there are some well-known organizations which are against the war, and they have a mission to stop this war to restore the legitimate government in Yemen.”
He added that some organizations want to convey that there is extraordinary humanitarian crisis in Yemen without acknowledging that the rebel militias are not ready to come to the negotiation table for peace.
Earlier, speaking to reporters about the humanitarian work done by KSRelief since its formation in 2015, Aljetaily said the total number of projects worldwide for the center stands at 308 with 119 partners at the value of $967,595,831, while the total number of projects in Yemen stands at 175, implemented in association with 77 partners at the cost of $821,793,142.
During this period, he said, the center provided 7,590 people with relief assistance by air, 2,749 by sea and 880 by the land route; 364,695 people were evacuated from Yemen and they were of 85 nationalities.
On relief works blocked or hampered by Houthi militias during the period, he said 65 relief ships were blocked at Hodeida and Mileif ports, while 567 relief-loaded trucks were stopped from providing assistance to distressed people.
Moreover, 363 relief trucks were confiscated by the Houthis, who also looted 6,315 food baskets meant for civilians, he added.
Commenting on child-related assistance and projects, he said KSRelief implemented 116 projects from 2015 to September 2017 at the cost of $262.5 million. In the first half of 2017, the Houthi militias recruited 568 Yemeni children under the age of 18, and more than 8,000 children since 2015, he said.
KSRelief launched the third phase of its Yemeni children rehabilitation program for those recruited by the Houthis, he said, adding that the program aims to help them integrate into the Yemeni community. Some 2,000 children are targeted in this program, he added.
On health projects, he said KSRelief has funded its maternity and children project in eight Yemeni provinces through 68 centers.


Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

Updated 5 sec ago
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Saudi Roads Authority launches ‘mobile sites’ service for pilgrims during bus breakdowns on Hijra Road

RIYADH: The Roads General Authority has launched a “mobile sites” service for pilgrims on the Hijra Road in the event their buses break down.

The service is intended to ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety for pilgrims when traveling between Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The launch was attended by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

This initiative is being implemented on the Hijra Expressway (Makkah-Madinah) and is available around the clock during Hajj season. It can accommodate approximately 40 pilgrims and is equipped with air-conditioning units, rest areas, restrooms, cold beverages, and hospitality meals.

 


Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance is delivering religious programming to serve pilgrims.
Updated 1 min 53 sec ago
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Saudi Islamic Affairs Ministry expands digital outreach with daily religious programming during Hajj season

  • Digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, SPA said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance has intensified its digital broadcasting output throughout the current Hajj season, delivering comprehensive religious programming to serve pilgrims and global Muslim audiences via its official YouTube channel.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry’s digital strategy features four daily lectures in three distinct programs: “Barnamaj Dahawi” (Religious Program), “Khayr Al-Ayyam” (Best of Days) and the fourth iteration of “Hajj Talk,” with broadcasts continuing through 13/12/1446 AH (June 9, 2025).

“Religious Program” episodes are broadcast twice daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., while “Best of Days” airs at 4 p.m. The flagship “Hajj Talk” program concludes the daily schedule at 6 p.m. This systematic approach shows the ministry’s commitment to harnessing contemporary digital platforms, aligning with technological progress while amplifying the reach and impact of Islamic messaging. The live streaming format enables real-time engagement with audiences domestic and international audiences.

The daily programming addresses themes relevant to the pilgrimage season, including detailed explanations of Hajj purposes and legal rulings, the spiritual significance of righteous deeds during the days of Dhul-Hijjah, and proper conduct during sacred rituals.

“Hajj Talk” distinguishes itself by focusing on prophetic values, delivered through modern presentation methods while extracting practical guidance from the Prophet Mohammed’s pilgrimage example.

According to SPA, digital media forms the cornerstone of the ministry’s contemporary outreach strategy, supporting its broader mission to promote religious moderation and ensure universal access to authentic Islamic content. It allows pilgrims and viewers worldwide to access religious guidance regardless of location or time constraints.

 


Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

Updated 28 min 15 sec ago
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Students from Islamic University of Madinah to guide pilgrims in Hajj animal sacrifice

  • Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi was established in 1983

MADINAH: Muslim students from the Islamic University of Madinah in the Hejaz Region are participating in the Hajj rituals of Hady and Adahi by offering guidance on animal sacrifice this weekend.

Some 300 students representing 40 nationalities will take part in the annual sacrifice of animals through Saudi Arabia’s Project for Utilization of Hady and Adahi.

Students will educate and guide pilgrims, ensuring adherence to the Prophet’s Sunnah during the performance of the rituals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The project was established in 1983 to carry on the Hady and Adahi rituals on behalf of any Muslim, and supervise the use of Hajj meat and its distribution to the destitute.

During pilgrimage, which concludes this year on Monday, June 9, pilgrims are required to sacrifice an animal in a ritual called Hady.

Adahi is a voluntary sacrifice for non-pilgrim Muslims which takes place on the day of Eid Al-Adha.

In collaboration with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the student initiative aims to supervise the rituals according to Islamic law, the SPA added.


Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

The Medical Services Center in Mina continues its efforts as part of final preparations for the 2025 Hajj season. (MoH)
Updated 30 min 22 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia provides more than 91,000 healthcare services to pilgrims in run-up to Hajj

  • 51,938 pilgrims treated at health centers, 22,486 emergency cases handled , and outpatient care provided for 1,069 people
  • Surgeons carry out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations; 44 cases of heat exhaustion treated

RIYADH: The Saudi healthcare system continues to operate at full capacity during the 2025 Hajj season and has so far provided more than 91,000 health services to pilgrims, official statistics reveal.

As of June 2, health providers had treated 51,938 pilgrims at health centers, handled 22,486 emergency cases, and provided outpatient care for 1,069 people. A total of 4,119 pilgrims were admitted to hospitals, 1,973 of whom required intensive care.

Surgeons successfully carried out 16 open-heart surgeries and 145 cardiac catheterizations, the figures show. In addition, 44 cases of heat exhaustion were treated.

Saudi healthcare authorities said they remain committed to safeguarding the well-being of pilgrims during their spiritual journeys, through the coordinated efforts of healthcare providers to deliver high-quality and efficient medical care.

This aligns with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Health Sector Transformation Program and the Guests of Allah Service Program, as part Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to provide pilgrims with a safe and medically supported environment that meets international health standards, they added.


Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

Updated 02 June 2025
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Saudi scouts survey pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina

  • The survey is part of the Ministry of Sport's efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost

MAKKAH: A total of 800 members of the Ministry of Sports’ scouting team began surveying pilgrims’ accommodation in Mina on Monday.

The surveys include collecting field information about pilgrims’ housing, landmarks, pedestrian paths and the headquarters of government agencies taking part in serving pilgrims.

It is part of the ministry’s efforts to support pilgrims and guide those who are lost, in cooperation with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

The Ministry of Sports has five scout camps in Mina, located in Al-Mu’aisam 1-2, Al-Rabwa, Wadi Muhsar and the Operations Camp.

A preparatory course for the scouts was also held before their departure to Mina.

The four-day program aimed to prepare them to serve the guests of God, focusing on areas including teamwork, leadership and crowd management.

Thousands of volunteers every year assist the pilgrimage in the holy city of Makkah, which sees about 2 million worshipers visit over the five days.

Volunteers work to support healthcare, provide meals, manage crowds and assist with transport.