The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced medical screening for intending pilgrims registered for the 2026 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia, as part of preparations to comply with strict health guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities.

The screening exercise is designed to assess the health status of pilgrims and ensure compliance with Saudi Arabia’s medical requirements for the pilgrimage. It includes general medical tests and the administration of mandatory immunisations.

The measures form part of standard regulations introduced by Saudi Arabia to safeguard pilgrims during the physically demanding Hajj period, characterised by large crowds and intense activities, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 agenda.

The Director-General of the Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed that the screening exercise, which began on Monday at designated health centres across the state, involves comprehensive medical tests, routine immunisation, and pregnancy tests for female pilgrims.

Matawalle made this known while supervising an orientation exercise at the Hajj Training Centre in Gwarzo Local Government Area, where he reminded intending pilgrims of the need for strict adherence to the laid-down guidelines.
Represented by the Director of Propagation, Education and Enlightenment, Alhaji Murtala Lawan Sani, the Director-General emphasised that Saudi Arabia’s regulations for Hajj 2026 are mandatory and aimed at ensuring a smooth and successful spiritual exercise.

He further urged Kano pilgrims to devote adequate time to the sensitisation courses, which are designed to familiarise them with activities, procedures, and regulations in Saudi Arabia.

Also speaking, the Board’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Dederi, advised intending pilgrims to strictly adhere to their flight schedules and remain within the groups assigned to their respective local government areas.

Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released new travel and health guidelines in line with Saudi Arabia’s requirements, restricting participation for individuals with certain chronic, infectious, and cognitive medical conditions.

According to NAHCON, individuals with severe heart or kidney disease, advanced liver cirrhosis, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or high-risk pregnancies will not be eligible for the 2026 pilgrimage.

The commission also listed mandatory vaccinations for pilgrims, including COVID-19, Meningococcal (ACWY), Polio, and Yellow Fever.

Saudi authorities further specified that pilgrims with chronic kidney failure requiring dialysis, severe heart or lung diseases needing oxygen support, advanced liver cirrhosis, severe cognitive impairments, active cancer undergoing intensive treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and haemorrhagic fever would not be allowed to participate.

High-risk and last-trimester pregnancies are also restricted under the new guidelines.

Intending pilgrims are required to present a medical fitness certificate issued by authorised health authorities in their home country, confirming that they are medically fit and free from the listed conditions.

Pilgrims were also advised to follow safety guidelines for injury prevention and management, including the use of appropriate footwear to prevent slips and manage sprains during the pilgrimage.