English abstract
Facing the local and imported borderless Aedes-linked vector-borne viral diseases threat
and epidemics burden, the Health Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC),
including the Saudi Arabian government, announced that all Gulf countries are still free
from the threat of a Zika virus epidemic. This article provides a vision of integrated eco friendly and sustainable behavioral communication change (BCC), biological control
preparedness and resilience approaches, and innovations implementation in Saudi Arabia
and GCC for the purpose of controlling the threat of Aedes-linked vector-borne viral
diseases. Implementing innovative Aedes-linked arboviral preventive and resilient control
measures is pivotal in improving community-based surveillance-response systems, BCC
multidisciplinary and empowerment methods, and in enhancing community social
mobilization and risk communication strategies. Moreover, boosting social, cultural and
ecological preparedness, and prompt management approaches are necessary against the
threat of local and global zoonotic epidemics and pandemics. Nurturing evidence and
proven tick or mosquito vector populations' reduction, planned urbanization, climate
change and waste management systems, and implementing data sharing and tailored
mitigation solutions are crucial against the persisting Aedes competence and the public
health threat of dengue, MERS-CoV, and influenza outbreaks. Sustained investment and
ample financial allocation are needed to improve Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah
mass gathering) including point of entry screening and treatment, community-based
education and awareness campaigns, and increasing mosquito vector viral pathogens
surveillance interventions. Increasing evidence-based population participation and
resilient emergency community preparedness and rapid response programs integration
are critical to reduce mosquito breeding sites, dengue, and other arboviral infections.
