Innovative Preventive and Resilience Approaches Against Aedes-linked Vector-borne Arboviral Diseases Threat and Epidemics Burden in Gulf Council Countries
Journal Title: Oman Medical Journal - Year 2019, Vol 34, Issue 5
Abstract
Facing the local and imported borderless Aedes-linked vector-borne viral diseases threat and epidemics burden, the Health Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the Saudi Arabian government, announced that all Gulf countries are still free from the threat of a Zika virus epidemic. This article provides a vision of integrated eco-friendly and sustainable behavioral communication change (BCC), biological control preparedness and resilience approaches, and innovations implementation in Saudi Arabia and GCC for the purpose of controlling the threat of Aedes-linked vector-borne viral diseases. Implementing innovative Aedes-linked arboviral preventive and resilient control measures is pivotal in improving community-based surveillance-response systems, BCC multidisciplinary and empowerment methods, and in enhancing community social mobilization and risk communication strategies. Moreover, boosting social, cultural and ecological preparedness, and prompt management approaches are necessary against the threat of local and global zoonotic epidemics and pandemics. Nurturing evidence and proven tick or mosquito vector populations’ reduction, planned urbanization, climate change and waste management systems, and implementing data sharing and tailored mitigation solutions are crucial against the persisting Aedes competence and the public health threat of dengue, MERS-CoV, and influenza outbreaks. Sustained investment and ample financial allocation are needed to improve Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah mass gathering) including point of entry screening and treatment, community-based education and awareness campaigns, and increasing mosquito vector viral pathogens surveillance interventions. Increasing evidence-based population participation and resilient emergency community preparedness and rapid response programs integration are critical to reduce mosquito breeding sites, dengue, and other arboviral infections.
Authors and Affiliations
Ernest Tambo, Ashraf G. El Dessouky, Emad I. M. Khater
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP634675
- DOI 10.5001/omj.2019.73
- Views 87
- Downloads 0
A Snapshot of Influenza Surveillance, Vaccine Recommendations, and Vaccine Access, Drivers, and Barriers in Selected Middle Eastern and North African Countries
Objectives: Influenza is a vaccine-preventable acute respiratory viral infection that causes epidemics annually around the globe. A regional influenza stakeholder network (MENA-ISN) comprised of experts assessed the stat...
Letter in Reply: Pediatric Crohn’s Disease in Bahrain
e thank the author for his interest in our manuscript and his valuable comments. We agree that the rate of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) in our cohort is low (8%) compared to that reported worldwide.
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency among Male Blood Donors inSana’a City, Yemen
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency among Yemeni people fromdifferent regions of the country living in the capital city, Sana’a,giving an indication of it...
Internal Jugular Vein Phlebectasia in a Child: A Case Report
Neck swellings that appear on straining, crying, and Valsalva maneuver are usually suggestive of laryngocele. Phlebectasia of jugular veins can cause a similar sign but is rare compared to laryngocele. Jugular vein phleb...
Characteristics and Outcomes of Patients with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Objectives: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) is a disease with potentially serious consequences. The clinical presentation and outcomes of these patients have not been described in Oman. We sought to describe the...