The Arba’een Annual Congregation in Karbala: An Overview

Abstract

The Arba’een pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings worldwide, presents unique health and logistical challenges due to its scale, environmental conditions, and the diverse backgrounds of its millions of participants. In 2019, the pilgrimage attracted over 18 million attendees, many of whom faced health risks such as musculoskeletal disorders, heat-related illnesses, and respiratory issues. Climate change has heightened these concerns, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled. To ensure the well-being of participants, it is essential to improve infrastructure, enhance public health education, and foster coordination among stakeholders to mitigate risks and improve safety outcomes.