Plan to keep UAE malaria-free

25 April 2010 - Khaleej Times

DUBAI — The health ministry has developed a plan to keep the UAE malaria-free through early detection and training of examiners.

Dr Mahmood Fikri, Executive Director for Health Policies, said that blood samples would be taken from labourers while epidemiological surveillance, control of mosquito breeding and classification, monitoring weather and environmental conditions conducive to the spread of the disease were part of the plan.

On the occasion of World Malaria Day today, he said the ministry will train microscopic malaria examiners on diagnosing  the test results. The UAE was given a malaria-free status by the World Health Organisation in 2007.