2007
Overview
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) was WHO certified malaria-free in 2007 with the last indigenous case being reported in 1997. Only scant information is available on review of literature on strategies in achieving malaria-free status. Though certified by the WHO in 2007, imported malaria cases are reported every year among migrant workers or returning travelers from malaria endemic countries and these imported cases remain an important cause of morbidity in the UAE. To confront this and prevent reestablishment of indigenous malaria, the UAE is pushing forward to investigate and diagnose imported malaria cases as well as provide free malaria treatment. Also, the UAE developed a post-certification plan that involves strong malaria surveillance at the public and private sectors, case and entomological investigations, and malaria health education. Over the years the country has provided financial support towards malaria elimination, donating to organizations such as the “Roll Back Malaria Partnership” and has collaborated with international health organizations like “Malaria No More.” It has thus provided the necessary investments to develop new tools for the eradication of malaria.
Malaria Incidence in United Arab Emirates (2000-2020)
Data unavailable
References
Saleh Amjad. (April 25, 2022). Elimination of Malaria: UAE role model for combating infectious diseases locally and internationally. Available online: https://www.wam.ae/en/details/1395303042311#:~:text=Since%201997%2C%20the%20UAE%20has,efforts%20to%20control%20the%20disease.
Nilles E.J., Alosert M., Mohtasham M.A., Saif M., Sulaiman L., Seliem R.M., Kotlyar S., Dziura J.D., Al-Najjar F.J. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of imported malaria in the United Arab Emirates. J. Travel Med. 2014;21:201–206. doi: 10.1111/jtm.12110.
World Health Organization. World Malaria Report. WHO; Geneva, Switzerland: 2019. [(accessed on 15 December 2022)]. Available online: https://www.who.int/malaria/publications/world-malaria-report-2019/en/