Innovative Preventive and Resilience Approaches Against Aedes-linked Vector-borne Arboviral Diseases Threat and Epidemics Burden in Gulf Council Countries

Tambo, Ernest; El Dessouky, Ashraf G.; Khater, Emad I.M.

complications (Guillain-Barré syndrome) in children and maternal health issues and remains a serious concern in neighboring Aedes-prone countries. 1, [4] [5] [6] The current integrated vector management (IVM) drawbacks and operational challenges to rid A. aegypti and Ae. albopictus female mosquitoes breeding sites and case management costs have been highlighted by the persistent and changing pattern of Aedes sp. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 Understanding the drivers of mosquito abundance and competence, dengue and other arboviral infection threshold and seroconversion requires further research to elucidate viral host reservoirs and transmission routes (e.g., blood products transfusion, breastfeeding, transplacental, and sexual intercourse). Surveillance and monitoring of performance metrics are the keys to control and eliminate these viruses in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Aedes-prone countries. 1, 2, 5, 6 Elucidating dengue and other emerging arboviral asymptomatic carriers, antigenic diversity and phylogenetic of DENV 1-4 and other arboviral diseases in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and other Middle Eastern countries is crucial for timely prevention and case management strategies in Saudi citizens, Muslim pilgrims, and expatriate workers. [7] [8] [9] [10] Although the Health Committee of the GCC announced that all Gulf countries are free from Zika virus, innovative preventive and control methods are encouraged. 11 A regional 'One Health' policy should comprise of innovative and sustainable vector prevention, environmental management, IVM, and care delivery solutions including enhanced community engagement and education, integration of new biocontrol approaches to law enforcement/ regulations, regular laboratory screening of mosquito/blood-borne arboviral diseases, quality standards integration, and preparedness and capacity building strategies. Such strategies are crucial to reduce adult and larval mosquito populations. Investment in research and development is required to guide novel, affordable, and effective strategies and tools for timely preparedness and emergency response/containment, point of care diagnostics, and safe and effective vaccines and drugs.