WHO Expected To Declare United Arab Emirates Malaria-Free in 2006

The General Assembly of the World Health Organization is expected to declare the United Arab Emirates malaria-free in 2006, according to UAE Health Minister Hamad Abul Rahman Al Madfa, the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies reports. Speaking at a press conference in Dubai, UAE, Madfa said that the Ministry of Health's malaria control sector will conduct a field survey in cooperation with WHO in three areas of the country to ensure that the disease has been eradicated. The survey will begin on April 16 and will last for two months. The WHO team then will submit a report at the General Assembly meeting in May 2006. UAE launched its malaria control effort in 1970, and the disease was eradicated in 1998, according to the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies, 4/15).