Makkah Prevention: Treating 6,000 sites to combat disease vectors
The National Center for Plant Pest and Animal Disease Prevention and Control (Wiqa’) in the Makkah region has intensified its field efforts to strengthen the “One Health” initiative through extensive campaigns targeting disease vectors in various governorates of the region. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting public health and reducing the spread of epidemics and zoonotic diseases.
Fourth quarter statistics for 2025
Official statistics released by the center for the fourth quarter of 2025 revealed a significant field achievement: specialized teams conducted over 2,800 detailed epidemiological investigations targeting larval and insect breeding grounds. These efforts culminated in preventative and control measures covering more than 6,000 vital sites across various locations in the Holy City of Mecca, as well as the governorates of Taif, Al-Qunfudhah, and Al-Khurmah, reflecting the extensive work undertaken to ensure a healthy environment.
Control strategy and the importance of geographical location
These efforts are of exceptional importance given the geographical and religious significance of the Makkah region, which receives millions of visitors, pilgrims, and Umrah performers, making health security a top priority. The "Wiqaa" teams operate according to well-defined operational plans that focus intensively on high-risk locations, particularly ponds and swamps outside urban areas, which serve as primary breeding grounds for insect vectors before they spread to residential areas.
The field teams employ a diverse range of advanced treatment methods that combine biological, environmental, and chemical control to ensure the complete elimination of vectors in their various stages, while maintaining ecological balance.
Quality assurance inspection tours
As part of ongoing field monitoring to ensure performance quality, the Director General of the Center's branch in the Makkah region, Dr. Ghaleb bin Abdulghani Al-Saadi, conducted an inspection tour of the work teams in Jeddah Governorate. Dr. Al-Saadi personally assessed the readiness of the disease vector control teams, emphasizing the need to carry out investigation and control tasks according to the highest standards of efficiency and approved plans.
Promoting the One Health concept
Through this ongoing monitoring, the management of the "Wiqa" Center seeks to enhance the effectiveness of its rapid response to any environmental or health emergency. This reinforces the "One Health" concept adopted by the center, which is based on understanding the close link between human health, animal health, and environmental safety. Eliminating disease vectors in their animal and environmental sources is considered the first line of defense in protecting society from potential epidemics, thus contributing to achieving national health security objectives.
