MUSCAT : Muscat Municipality successfully concluded the First International Conference in Vector Control Intervention for Dengue Fever on 30 October 2024 at the JW Marriott Muscat, Madinat Al Irfan. The conference was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The event attracted over 200 experts in epidemiological surveillance and pest control from across the globe, including GCC countries, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brazil. The participants were joined by international speakers from the WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other health organisations. Discussions focused on the latest research on vector control, mainly targeting the Aedes mosquito, the primary vector responsible for transmitting dengue fever. Delegates shared their countries’ experiences in combating the mosquito, fostering knowledge exchange to develop best practices and actionable recommendations.

In his remarks, His Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Humaidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality, emphasised: “Organising this conference in the Sultanate of Oman reflects our commitment to advancing research and innovation in public health. Under the wise leadership of the Sultanate, Oman seeks to be an active and leading member in global efforts to combat disease vectors and provide innovative solutions to strengthen public health locally, regionally, and internationally.”

He added: “We are pleased with the success of this inaugural conference, which facilitated knowledge exchange among participating experts and entities. The recommendations derived from these discussions will play a vital role in assisting countries worldwide in managing and controlling the spread of dengue fever effectively.”

The two-day conference featured four in-depth discussion sessions, addressing several core topics, including vector-borne diseases with a focus on the epidemiological and temporal status of infections. The sessions also discussed dengue fever prevention and control strategies using modern surveillance methods, interventions and experiences in Aedes mosquito control across various countries, and innovations in vector control and the role of community engagement in public health campaigns. The conference culminated with dedicated sessions to outline recommendations that will support countries in tackling these health challenges more effectively. These recommendations include:

1. Enacting Legislation and Regulations, including a public health law, to effectively manage and reduce vector density – particularly the Aedes mosquito – in Oman.
2. Sectoral Integration for Vector Control through training, capacity building, and research.
3. Develop effective strategies to encourage sustained community involvement in identifying and managing Aedes mosquito breeding sites.
4. Strengthen partnerships, especially with academic institutions, to promote the use of modern technologies to advance research and improve disease vector control methods.
5. Ensure adequate funding to support the sustainability of vector control programs, raise public awareness, and enhance both technical infrastructure and human resources.
6. Develop a robust surveillance system to detect mosquito breeding sites early, leveraging modern technologies for continuous data analysis to predict outbreak locations and peak periods.
7. Develop national expertise in key areas such as field epidemiology, public health, and entomology.

The conference sought to achieve multiple strategic goals, with a primary focus on fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participating countries. It also highlighted national experiences in dengue management and explored ways to strengthen vector control practices. The sessions emphasised building national capacities for sustainable pest control, discussing technological advancements in the field, and promoting the concept of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) – a holistic approach that combines environmental and technical solutions for long-term results.

His Excellency Al-Humaidi expressed his gratitude for the role played by the staff at Muscat Municipality and all collaborating bodies in this effort. He remarked: “We acknowledge the tireless work of all staff at Muscat Municipality in public health and vector control. Through numerous initiatives, we remain committed to reducing the spread of dengue fever while reinforcing partnerships with both local and international entities to develop sustainable health solutions.”

He also extended his appreciation to all the participating countries and organisations, stating: “We deeply value this cooperation and sincerely appreciate your efforts in creating a shared vision for enhancing public health. Together, we are working toward safeguarding our communities and ensuring the well-being of future generations.”

Alongside the conference, an exhibition was held featuring leading pest control companies showcasing the latest technologies and solutions. The exhibition provided a platform for stakeholders, researchers, academics, and industry experts to exchange ideas and foster collaborations, contributing to unified international efforts to combat disease vectors and reduce their public health impact.

Through this initiative, Muscat Municipality aims to strengthen national efforts to combat disease vectors and reduce dengue transmission in Oman. The municipality remains committed to developing innovative and sustainable strategies to address emerging environmental and health challenges, aligned with its mission to protect and promote public health.