Sarhuda Stiti, a 130-year-old pilgrim from Algeria, has embarked on a remarkable journey to Makkah for Hajj, capturing the hearts of many along the way. Upon her arrival in Saudi Arabia, the Saudi national carrier celebrated her with flowers and a special reception at Jeddah Airport, showcasing the nation’s dedication to caring for elderly pilgrims. Stiti stands out as the oldest among many senior pilgrims who undertake the pilgrimage to perform the fifth pillar of Islam. The Saudi government places a high priority on ensuring the well-being of these elderly guests, with the Ministry of Health making extensive preparations to accommodate them, including setting up mobile field hospitals and clinics. In addition, dedicated emergency teams are on standby to address any health issues that may arise, with medical staff specially trained to manage common chronic conditions among seniors, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
The Ministry of Hajj equips each pilgrim, including elderly individuals like Stiti, with a wristband containing vital information, such as their name, nationality, address, health condition, and blood type. This proactive measure helps ensure that elderly pilgrims receive appropriate care throughout their stay in Makkah. The wristbands also include health data and medical history, which are crucial for providing timely medical assistance in case of emergencies. Furthermore, the ministry emphasizes the importance of vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases like meningitis among pilgrims, highlighting the comprehensive measures in place to ensure the well-being of all individuals undertaking the pilgrimage. These initiatives not only provide essential healthcare services and emergency assistance but also help reunite lost pilgrims with their groups quickly, enhancing the overall safety and security of the pilgrimage experience.
In addition to these healthcare measures, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has launched initiatives tailored to support elderly pilgrims, such as providing free transportation to and from accommodations and offering mobile and wheelchair services to facilitate movement in crowded areas. Trained volunteers are also available to assist and accompany elderly pilgrims throughout their Hajj rituals, ensuring they have the necessary support to participate in the religious activities. The General Authority for Endowments (GAE) further enhances services for pilgrims by providing additional transportation options for the elderly, supporting accommodation, catering, and healthcare services. Thousands of free or paid wheelchairs, along with specialized staff, are distributed at various points within the Holy Mosques, exemplifying Saudi Arabia’s commitment to offering the highest level of care and comfort to all pilgrims. These efforts aim to enable pilgrims, especially elderly individuals like Stiti, to perform their rituals with ease and peace of mind during their sacred journey to Makkah.
Overall, Sarhuda Stiti’s remarkable pilgrimage journey serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of caring for elderly individuals who undertake the Hajj pilgrimage. The warm reception she received upon her arrival in Makkah reflects the nation’s dedication to ensuring the well-being and comfort of all pilgrims, especially seniors like Stiti. With comprehensive healthcare measures in place, including the use of wristbands to provide essential medical information and facilitate timely assistance, the Saudi government demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding the health of elderly guests during their stay in Makkah. Initiatives such as free transportation, mobile and wheelchair services, and trained volunteers further support elderly pilgrims in their journey, enabling them to participate in the sacred rituals with ease and dignity. Through these collective efforts, Saudi Arabia upholds its reputation as a welcoming and inclusive host for all individuals embarking on the Hajj pilgrimage, ensuring that each pilgrim, regardless of age, is able to experience the spiritual journey to Makkah in a safe and supportive environment.
