Departure of Hajjis for the holy places without being vaccinated

Algiers- Minister of Religious Affairs and Waqf, Bouabdallah Ghlamallah acknowledged that the Algerian Hajjis have not been vaccinated against A H1N1 swine influenza due to non availability of the vaccine in Algeria.

• He said that the cause was due to the fact the producing countries have not kept their promises. Ghlamallah declared, on the sidelines of the supervision of the first departure of pilgrims to the Holy Places, that there was no danger for the Algerian Hajjis and that Algeria has taken all necessary measures, stressing that the medical mission that accompanies the Hajjis will have the necessary vaccine against swine flu and thus could respond in a timely manner.
  
  In the same context, the Minister of Religious Affairs and Wakf has denied the existence of any conflict between the Algerian and Saudi authorities on the scheduled flights whose number is 180 flights and which could be increased. According Ghlamallah said that maintenance works currently taking place at the Jeddah International Airport have caused many problems, adding that the problem was finally resolved.
  
  Regarding the measures taken recently in order to succeed the Hajj this year, the Minister of Religious Affairs announced the opening of more ticket office at Houari Boumediene International Airport to facilitate administrative procedures. A special window has been opened for the Bank of Algeria. The minister said that the Algerian Hajjis were vaccinated against seasonal influenza on regulatory delays. He took the opportunity to instruct Hajjis and advise them they should stay within their groups to avoid being lost and keep in contact with the members of the mission who take care of them.
  
  Ennahar / Liamine B.