Preventive efforts in combating disease vectors: 172,000 sites treated
In a move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to protecting public health and the environment, the National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Weqaa) achieved a significant milestone in 2025. The center successfully implemented comprehensive strategies aimed at combating disease vectors and reducing the spread of zoonotic diseases. These intensive efforts are part of the center’s “One Health” approach to ensuring a safe and sustainable environment. Field teams treated more than 172,000 sites across the Kingdom, contributing significantly to reducing potential breeding grounds for disease vectors.
The strategic context for establishing the Prevention Center and its national role
To understand the magnitude of this achievement, it's essential to consider the broader context and background from which the center emerged. The “Wiqaa” Center was established as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives, aiming to separate the legislative and executive aspects of the environment, water, and agriculture sectors. Since its inception, the center has been responsible for implementing approved policies and plans for preventing plant pests and animal diseases. Historically, the Kingdom has faced ongoing challenges due to its vast geographical area and diverse climate, which can create fertile environments for insect and pest proliferation. Therefore, the center's establishment was intended to unify efforts and develop proactive plans based on early detection and rapid intervention, marking a significant leap forward in managing environmental and health crises in the country.
Employing modern technologies in combating disease vectors
In its ongoing pursuit of development, the center revealed the implementation of extensive field monitoring and investigation operations, encompassing the surveying of over 101,321 sites to ensure coverage of potential breeding grounds. To enhance data accuracy, the center explained that 12,563 sites were surveyed using smart traps and advanced technologies. This advanced step in combating disease vectors supported the rapid pace of field response. In terms of comprehensive control, 172,086 sites were treated, employing a multi-pronged approach combining chemical, biological, and environmental control methods to ensure sustained effectiveness.
Local and regional dimensions of enhancing health and food security
The importance of these operations extends beyond the local level, encompassing significant regional and international impacts. Locally, these efforts contribute to protecting livestock and agricultural resources, thereby enhancing food security, supporting the national economy, and mitigating financial losses for farmers and livestock breeders. Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's success in controlling epidemics and pests prevents their cross-border spread, positioning Saudi Arabia as a model for implementing the global standards of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This commitment reinforces the Kingdom's role as an active partner in maintaining health and environmental stability in the region.
Aerial spraying and integration of field operations
The diversity of control tools reflects the integrated efforts undertaken, with specialized teams carrying out 302 aerial spraying sorties to efficiently and effectively cover vast areas. The center indicated that direct aerial spraying operations targeted 935 locations, as part of a strategic plan to control difficult-to-reach areas. The center noted that the area surveyed and treated by aircraft reached approximately 429,574 hectares, highlighting the extensive geographical coverage and the meticulous planning of its field operations.
Ongoing efforts towards a safe and sustainable environment
The center affirmed that these intensive efforts are part of ongoing development programs aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and strengthening the concept of proactive prevention on the front lines. These achievements are an extension of the center's strategy to enhance integration with relevant entities and implement the best international practices in environmental crisis management. These strategic initiatives contribute to mitigating health and economic risks, ultimately achieving the overarching goal of safeguarding human health and protecting the environment, as well as the agricultural and livestock sectors nationally.
