Mass Gathering

A Mass Gathering (MG) has been defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an occasion, either organized or spontaneous where the "number of people attending is sufficient to strain the planning and response resources of the community, city, or nation hosting the event" (WHO, 2008). These events can be planned or spontaneous, and may be as diverse as social, religious, cultural or sporting events or include the gathering of people as the result of natural disasters or conflict. Mass Gatherings present their own unique challenges to public health and other risks.

The field of mass gathering health is under constant development and in early 2012 the Executive Board (EB) of the World Health Organization requested that the Director-General further develop and disseminate multi-sectoral guidance on planning, management, evaluation and monitoring of all types of mass gathering. This is to be developed with specific emphasis on sustainable preventive measures including health education and preparedness. The EB decision has reinforced the existing WHO strategy of working closely with Member States that are planning mass gatherings and helping Member States to strengthen functional capacities to better utilize the International Health Regulations (2005) for MGs. This work is to be carried out by the WHO, its collaborating network, and the broader international public health community.

Mission: The mission of the Mass Gathering SIG is to foster collaboration among practitioners involved in research, education, management, and practice in prehospital, emergency, public health, and/or mass gathering health care.

Purpose: The purposes of the Mass Gathering SIG are to:

• Define issues for public health and mass gathering health care;
• Exchange scientific and professional information relevant to the practice of mass gathering health; and
• Encourage collaborative efforts enhancing and expanding the field of mass gathering health research research.

Goals: The goals of the Mass Gathering SIG are to:

• Develop a mass gathering declaration of cooperation;
• Network and integrate mass gathering work into WADEM activities and programs;
• Foster the professional growth of the members of the Mass Gathering Section;
• Train and educate researchers on the science of mass gathering health.