Mina Prepares for Hajj Pilgrimage Amid Rising Food Prices
With the number of heat-related illnesses expected to rise, the Mina Emergency Hospital and other facilities are bracing for an influx of patients, while the international community works to address the root causes of the food crisis and mitigate its effects on global food security.
The world is facing a severe food crisis as prices of staple crops reach record highs, while Saudi Arabia prepares for the Haj pilgrimage, with the Mina Emergency Hospital on standby to treat heat-related illnesses, as over 1.4 million pilgrims arrive in the country.
The rising food prices have significant implications for global food security, with 1.4 billion people worldwide suffering from hunger, and the crisis could push millions more into poverty. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that the situation could lead to widespread hunger and social unrest.
In Saudi Arabia, authorities have taken measures to mitigate the effects of the heat during the Haj pilgrimage, with the Mina Emergency Hospital operating around the clock to treat heat-related illnesses. The health ministry has warned pilgrims against climbing mountains or high places during the pilgrimage, and has urged them to remain in tents between 10am and 4pm on the Day of Arafat.
The FAO's Food Price Index has increased by 25% over the past year, with wheat prices rising by 30% and soybean prices increasing by 20%. The crisis has sparked concerns among policymakers and experts, who warn that the situation could lead to social unrest and even conflict.
As the world struggles to address the food crisis, Saudi Arabia's preparations for the Haj pilgrimage serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the well-being and safety of vulnerable communities, particularly in the face of extreme weather conditions and rising food prices.