Task Force Meeting Held on the Investigation and Control of the Aedes Mosquito in MuscatGovernorate
Muscat, September 25, 2024: A meeting was held this morning at the headquarters of the
Muscat Municipality to review the work of the task force responsible for the investigation and
control of the Aedes mosquito in the Muscat Governorate. The meeting was chaired by His
Excellency Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Hamidi, Chairman of Muscat Municipality and head of the
task force.
The meeting covered the results of the executive plan for controlling the Aedes mosquito for
the 2023-2024 period and outlined the plan for 2024-2025. Officials from the Ministry of Health
also presented the latest epidemiological indicators.
The outcomes of the 2023-2024 plan highlighted a remarkable reduction in dengue fever cases,
with a decrease of approximately 93% compared to the previous season. This success was
primarily attributed to visiting 69,000 homes and establishments to eliminate mosquito
breeding sites, significantly reducing the mosquito population. Additionally, 266 fixed swamp
areas, covering 84 square kilometres in the Muscat Governorate were identified as key
mosquito breeding grounds. These areas were mapped on an interactive platform to support
vector control activities, and the transition to electronic data entry for control operations, using
a dedicated mobile application, further streamlined efforts.
A vital feature of the upcoming plan is the focus on raising community awareness. Thirty-six
awareness programmes were conducted in schools and hospitals, educating the public about
the dangers of the Aedes mosquito. Additionally, knowledge-sharing initiatives with other
countries were launched, including sending two staff members to Iran for a diploma
programme in biological pest control in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
Muscat Municipality’s success in controlling the Aedes mosquito was also showcased at an
international conference in the United Kingdom, where it was praised for achieving a significant
reduction in dengue cases at the NEW-IPM Emerging Opportunities Symposium.
Today’s meeting also discussed the 2024-2025 work plan, which will build on past successes,
maintaining a proactive approach to mosquito control. The plan will prioritise areas previously
affected by dengue outbreaks and engage the community, in partnership with government
institutions, particularly educational bodies, to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
Another innovative aspect of the plan is the deployment of smart mosquito traps to study
mosquito behaviour and evaluate the effectiveness of insecticide spraying. Both electronic and
non-electronic traps will be installed in parks, enabling automated control of mosquito
populations without the use of insecticides, thus reducing the need for human intervention.
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Muscat Municipality will also provide training for pest control personnel through internal and
external programmes, leveraging the expertise of other countries.
Muscat Municipality, through its General Directorate of Health Affairs and local municipalities,
remains committed to curbing the spread of mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes species. Equipped
with the latest technical tools and modern methodologies, the Municipality emphasises its
dedication to protecting public health through its continued systematic and strategic efforts.