In addition, close to 400 tonnes of medicines will be deployed in Iraq by IRCS to protect the health of pilgrims, said Dr Pir Hossein Kolivand, the IRCS President, in the opening ceremony of the "3rd International Congress on Health in Arbaeen" held in Tehran on 2 August.

The Iranian Red Crescent will also deploy 80 ambulances and eight bus ambulances on the route of Arbaeen walk.

Iranian Red Crescent’s relief helicopters have been given permission to fly in Iraq to accelerate aid operations if needed, added Kolivand.

Arbaeen marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia Imam.

The International Congress on Healthcare in Arbaeen aims to strength the cooperation between the all organizations and groups which participate in relief services to Arbaeen Pilgrims as well as to identify the capacities of services to pilgrims.

This Congress will continue until August 4th.

On the sidelines of the congress, the president of the Iranian Red Crescent met with the ambassadors of Iraq and Turkey to Tehran and WHO Representative for Islamic Republic of Iran, discussing issues of services to Arbaeen pilgrims.