Saudi Arabia’s government health agency has issued a health advisory that urges citizens against travel to Iraq, Sudan, and Syria due to health concerns. These three nations are part of a list of 24 countries flagged in the Public Health Authority (PHA)’s “yellow evaluation,” signifying potential health risks for travelers, including the spread of infectious diseases and inadequate healthcare services.
The PHA, also known as Weqia (health prevention), conducted an assessment of epidemiological diseases affecting travelers. Specifically, the advisory highlighted the active presence of cholera and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Iraq. In Sudan, the advisory noted the prevalence of monkeypox, cholera, and dengue fever, while Syria faces ongoing challenges with cholera, along with the persistent threats of yellow fever, malaria, and the continued monitoring of measles and COVID-19 outbreaks.
The situation in Sudan is compounded by ongoing conflicts between the army and the formidable militia, the Rapid Support Forces, since April. Despite repeated efforts and negotiations, a resolution to the conflict between these former allies remains elusive. Syria, on the other hand, has been grappling with the aftermath of a civil war that erupted in 2011, causing widespread devastation.
Established in 2021, the PHA’s primary objective is to safeguard and enhance public health, prevent diseases, and enhance public readiness to respond to health emergencies by coordinating efforts among relevant authorities. The agency is committed to monitoring, measuring, evaluating, controlling, and preventing any risk factors related to public health in Saudi Arabia, encompassing both communicable and noncommunicable diseases, injuries, and other health threats.
