Mass Gatherings and Global Health Network (MGHN) is a non-governmental organisation established for the public benefit, the relief of sickness and the preservation of health.

Large and significant mass gatherings provide unique opportunities for multi-national collaboration on public health security through surveillance and high-quality research in specific health issues affecting pilgrims and impacting global health.

The advent of the Global Centre for Mass Gatherings Medicine (GCMGM) based in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh and establishment of the World Health Organisation (WHO) collaborating centres across the globe has increased the potential for research into specific health issues affecting mass gathering attendees.

“Religious mass gatherings (RMGs) of all faiths bring a sense of purpose to many millions of people across the globe. Our goal is to ensure that religious mass gatherings are safe events, more accessible for people to participate in and to maximise their benefits to individuals and society.

Health professionals and civil society need to recognise the importance of health and well-being at religious mass gatherings and support us in developing this exciting field of endeavour.”

DR SHUJA SHAFI

Chair, MBBS, FRCPath