Oman Nears WHO Malaria-Free Certification with Zero Local Cases

Oman Maintains Malaria-Free Status Since 2015, Boosts Surveillance

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman marked World Malaria Day, observed annually on 25 April, reaffirming its continued efforts to combat malaria through surveillance and rapid response programmes.

The Ministry of Health stated that Oman’s efforts align with the World Health Organization’s Global Malaria Strategy 2016–2030, which focuses on eliminating transmission, reducing mortality and strengthening monitoring and response systems.

Health data indicate that Oman is in the final stages of meeting the requirements for the World Health Organization’s malaria elimination certification, with ongoing efforts to complete documentation and fulfil international standards.

The Sultanate has succeeded in halting local malaria transmission since 2015, with no locally transmitted cases recorded since that date. All reported cases are imported, with 380 cases recorded in 2024 and 261 cases in 2025, mainly from endemic countries.

The Ministry is implementing an updated national strategy to prevent the re-emergence of malaria transmission. The strategy focuses on strengthening epidemiological surveillance, early detection, case classification and immediate treatment, in addition to enhancing preparedness and rapid response to outbreaks.

Preventive measures also include vector control programmes, continuous monitoring of mosquitoes and efforts to reduce breeding sites, alongside providing treatment free of charge and preventive medication for travellers to affected countries.

The Ministry affirmed that sustaining malaria-free status requires continued community awareness and adherence to preventive measures, including eliminating stagnant water sources and supporting vector control efforts.

It also urged individuals to seek medical advice before travelling to malaria-endemic countries and to undergo medical checks if symptoms appear after travel.