IRCS Mobilizes 8,000 Rescue Workers to Iraq for Arbaeen: A Lifeline in Times of Need

The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is set to deploy a remarkable team of 8,200 rescue workers to provide essential services to pilgrims during the Arbaeen pilgrimage in Iraq. This significant effort underscores the IRCS’s commitment to ensuring the health and safety of millions who participate in this annual event.

According to Pirhossein Kolivand, the head of the IRCS, approximately 7,000 IRCS personnel are already stationed in Iraq, actively working along the routes and borders to assist those making the pilgrimage. This year, Arbaeen is commemorated on August 14, marking the 40th day after Ashura, in honor of Imam Hussein’s martyrdom.

Arbaeen is recognized as the world’s largest annual pilgrimage, drawing millions of Shia Muslims who traverse the 80-kilometer Najaf–Karbala route. This journey represents a faith-driven, transnational movement that exemplifies Islamic unity, solidarity, and the ongoing pursuit of justice.

To ensure the well-being of pilgrims, four hospitals will be operational along the Najaf–Karbala highway. Additionally, the number of medical mawkibs (voluntary stations) has increased significantly in Karbala, Najaf, and Samarra. Kolivand emphasized that pilgrims will have access to medical, health, and nutritional consultations through mobile applications, all provided free of charge.

For the execution of their responsibilities during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, the IRCS plans to utilize over 200 specialized vehicles and ambulances, ensuring that they can respond effectively to the needs of the pilgrims.

International Congress on Health in Arbaeen

The 5th International Congress on “Health in Arbaeen” was held in Tehran from May 26 to 27, featuring participation from six countries. This year’s event brought together a diverse group of participants, including 24 international lecturers from Italy, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

Abdolreza Pazoki, an official with the health ministry, stated, “The main goal of the congress is to familiarize physicians with healthcare and treatment issues during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.” The congress particularly focused on endemic diseases that may arise from Afghan and Pakistani pilgrims passing through Iran on their way to Iraq.

Discussions at the congress included:

• Guidelines for treating skin and musculoskeletal diseases
• Necessary medications and medical equipment
• Preventive measures to monitor infectious diseases

Similar to previous years, medical universities positioned along the borders will be actively monitoring for infectious diseases, taking preventive actions to safeguard pilgrims’ health.

Iraq Acknowledges IRCS Contributions

In a significant acknowledgment of their efforts, Iraqi Health Minister Saleh Mehdi Al-Hasnawi praised the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) for its exceptional services during the Arbaeen pilgrimage. During a meeting with an Iranian delegation led by Kolivand, Al-Hasnawi remarked, “The cooperation between the Iranian Red Crescent Society and Iraq’s health ministry in providing health services to pilgrims is commendable.”

He added that medical services are being delivered collaboratively for all pilgrims, including both Iranians and Arabs. On August 5, 2024, Iranian and Iraqi officials convened in Baghdad to discuss strategies aimed at facilitating the Arbaeen pilgrimage and ensuring the safety of all attendees.

During this meeting, Iranian Deputy Minister of Interior Majid Mirahmadi and Kolivand engaged with Iraqi Minister of Interior Abdul Amir al-Shammari to review the latest arrangements made for the pilgrimage. As a result, the Iranian officials received authorization to deploy IRCS rescue helicopters and ambulances, as well as to transport necessary medications and equipment to provide vital medical services to pilgrims.

The collaborative efforts of the IRCS and Iraqi authorities reflect a strong commitment to the health and safety of those participating in the Arbaeen pilgrimage, a testament to the enduring spirit of unity and solidarity among believers.

With the IRCS’s extensive preparations and the ongoing support from the Iraqi government, this year’s Arbaeen pilgrimage is poised to be a well-organized and safe experience for millions of pilgrims from around the world.