Kwara begins vaccination of pilgrims ahead of 2026 Hajj

The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the vaccination of 1,714 intending pilgrims ahead of the 2026 Hajj, as part of preparations for their journey to Saudi Arabia.

 

The exercise, carried out by the Port Health Services, includes immunisation against oral polio, meningitis and yellow fever—vaccines required for entry into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

In a statement issued on Monday by the board’s Assistant Press Secretary, Abdulmumeen Sidiq, the Executive Secretary, Alhaji AbdulKadri Abdulsalam, described the vaccination as a key requirement for a safe pilgrimage.

 

“The vaccination exercise remains a critical component of our pre-Hajj arrangements, as it is designed to safeguard the health of our pilgrims and prevent the outbreak or spread of infectious diseases during the pilgrimage,” he said.

 

He added that the board is working with health authorities to ensure full compliance with international health standards and Saudi entry requirements.

 

“We are working closely with relevant health authorities to ensure that every pilgrim is properly immunised in line with international best practices and Saudi Arabian entry requirements,” he said.

 

Abdulsalam urged all intending pilgrims across the 16 local government areas of the state to present themselves for the exercise and comply with all guidelines, warning that failure to do so could affect eligibility for the pilgrimage.

 

He also disclosed that the board has begun the distribution of uniforms and travelling bags to pilgrims as part of logistical arrangements, noting that the initiative is aimed at ensuring orderliness and easy identification during the exercise in Saudi Arabia.

 

The board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a smooth and well-coordinated Hajj operation for all participants.