Millions spent on pest control help keep UAE malaria-free

Abu Dhabi - About 250 people have been treated for malaria in Abu Dhabi during the first five months of 2018

The continuous efforts by the government to control pests have helped to keep the UAE free of the malaria, according to pest control authorities.
Mohamed Al Marzooqi, pest control projects director at the Centre of Waste Management (Tadweer), said the government spends Dh72 million annually to control pests or insects across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
"The UAE has been malaria-free for over 10 years now and this is a result of combined efforts by government departments and the general public to prevent and control mosquito breeding and keeping a clean environment," Al Marzooqi said during a media briefing on Monday to highlight Tadweer's action plan for containing mosquito proliferation and educating the public about effective prevention methods as well as the services it provides in this regard.
The UAE was certified to be malaria-free in January 2007, though cases have continued to be recorded. About 250 people have been treated for malaria in Abu Dhabi during the first five months of 2018, according to officials.
These people were infected during visits to home countries or travelling to regions where the disease is still endemic, and kills large numbers of people. "The Abu Dhabi Department of Health reports to us cases of malaria being imported to the UAE so we can monitor the patient's homes and workplace to prevent malaria from being transmitted to other persons by anopheles mosquitoes," said Al Marzooqi.
Awareness drive to prevent mosquitoes
Tadweer's meeting was intended to spread awareness about its newly launched campaign to prevent mosquito-breeding across the emirate.
Organised in coordination with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) and the Abu Dhabi Farmers' Services Centre (ADFSC), the drive runs from June to August under the theme 'How to protect our society from mosquitoes'.
"Tadweer's latest mosquito control drive aligns with its priority to promote public health and create broader awareness about the risks of mosquito proliferation. As mosquitoes are among the pests that have the most serious impact on human health, it is vital to take all the necessary measures to combat this menace and protect people from the diseases mosquitoes transmit," said Al Marzooqi.
"Tadweer's integrated mosquito control programme is implemented in close coordination with the ADFCA and the ADFSC and comprises several stages. In the first stage, we survey and monitor potential mosquito breeding sites at farms. Once we spot flying mosquitoes, we spray the infected sites with advanced and environment-friendly products such as biopesticides that demonstrate lasting results. To ensure effective mosquito control, we also spray at sewerage drains."
This year, Tadweer has so far received 3,360 service requests to prevent mosquitoes. And last year, authorities said that out of the 72,000 service requests they received from people, 4,450 requests were for mosquito prevention.
Winter is the main breeding season for mosquitoes, according to Al Marzooqi, while their numbers decrease during the summer due to the high temperatures.
Tadweer has urged the public to report stagnant water that causes proliferation of mosquitoes and other pests at tollfree number 800555. People have also been told about the need to maintain public hygiene and refrain from disposing of waste in open areas to avoid creating a fertile ground for the breeding of insects.
Thamer Al Qasimi, spokesperson of the ADFCA, said: "The authority promotes the use of latest technologies to reduce overconsumption of water and improve crop yields while preventing the proliferation of harmful insects due to leakage in irrigation networks.
"The ADFCA continuously monitors agricultural practices at farms to check mosquito breeding and notify farmers so that they can take measures to rectify the causes."
Tadweer's awareness drive involves conducting workshops on mosquito control in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra areas, and distributing leaflets containing helpful tips on eliminating mosquitoes. In addition, Tadweer is sending out text messages to farmers registered with the centre, urging them to cover all irrigation ponds and water tanks at their farms to prevent the proliferation of insects.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi