Oman boosts disease surveillance with new system
Muscat – The Ministry of Health (MoH) will officially launch its Event-Based Surveillance System project on Monday, alongside a ceremony marking the graduation of two new cohorts from the Public Health Empowerment Programme (PHEP), specialising in the Field Epidemiology Training Programme (FETP Frontline).
The event, to be held under the patronage of H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki, Undersecretary for Health Affairs in MoH, will bring together officials from various government sectors, besides the health. H E Dr Saeed bin Hareb al Lamki
The new surveillance system, developed in collaboration with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Eastern Mediterranean Public Health Network (EMPHNET), aims to enhance Oman's ability to detect and respond to health threats. It complements the existing Indicator-Based Surveillance Programme, reinforcing the concept of 'epidemiological vigilance' by providing real-time data from health centres, schools, and community channels.
The system uses advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency and accelerate response times, aligning with Oman's broader strategy to strengthen its public health infrastructure. The project has already been rolled out nationwide, following the training of essential personnel across all governorates.
So far, 188 participants from key sectors, including the Environment Authority, municipalities, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, have been trained in surveillance mechanisms.
The ministry also developed a scientific manual and tailored training methodologies to guide the implementation, supported by workshops and field trials.
The initiative has improved early warning systems, enhanced outbreak response, and strengthened multi-sectoral collaboration, aligning with the 'One Health' approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health efforts.
The PHEP, launched in August 2022, underpins this effort, offering a hybrid learning model that combines classroom instruction with practical field training. To date, 102 participants from the health sector and related fields have graduated, supported by 20 specialised mentors.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Health initiative to provide safe educational environment
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works on Wednesday signed a cooperation agreement to support the "Health-Promoting Schools" initiative. The initiative aims to provide a safe and health-enhancing educational environment that enables students to improve their academic performance, acquire essential life skills and integrate into society. The agreement was signed by Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education; Sulaiman bin Nasser al Hiji, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs; and Dina al Khalili, Director-General of Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works. Dr Abdullah bin Khamis Ambusaidi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Education for Education, stated that this five-year initiative holds significant importance in enhancing students' health environment, serving as a key tool that positively impacts their academic achievement. He added that the total number of schools participating in the initiative since its launch has reached 566 across various educational directorates in the governorates. These schools implement the initiative's programmes in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works. Sulaiman bin Nasser al Hiji, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Administrative and Financial Affairs, emphasised that this initiative stems from a strategic partnership to serve the public good, particularly by promoting health in school environments. This will be achieved through improving students' learning conditions, enhancing their academic performance, preventing diseases, reducing absenteeism, supporting their mental well-being and instilling lasting healthy habits — enabling them to focus, engage and learn more effectively. Dina al Khalili, Director-General of Al Jisr Foundation for Charitable Works, stated that this strategic partnership reflects the convergence of health and education efforts, realising a shared vision to provide a healthy school environment that enhances students' academic success and develops their essential life skills. She reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to creating a sustainable impact for students and society. Al Jisr Foundation will fund sustainable projects for three schools that have achieved the highest gold-level rating in the "Health-Promoting Schools" initiative over five years. Additionally, the foundation will oversee the initiative's implementation and collaborate with specialised teams from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to develop a visual identity and an operational guide for the initiative. Efforts are also underway to prepare an electronic platform, which will be launched at a later stage. - ONA
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Royal Decree transfers Directorate General of Medical Services to Ministry of Health
Muscat: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued a Royal Decree transferring the Directorate General of Medical Services from the Diwan of Royal Court to the Ministry of Health.
Observer
3 days ago
- Observer
Follow animal handling guidelines to avoid Congo fever during Eid: MoH
Muscat: As Oman prepares for Eid, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised the public to take precautions against Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), a viral disease transmitted from animals to humans. According to the ministry, the slaughter of livestock poses potential health risks if proper safety measures are not followed. In a recent awareness campaign, the MOH highlighted the importance of preventive actions when dealing with animals and animal products. The ministry emphasised that Congo fever is a viral disease that can be transmitted through several means: Tick bites from infected ticks. Direct contact with the blood or tissues of infected animals during slaughter. Direct contact with an infected person or their bodily fluids. The campaign urges citizens and residents to use personal protective equipment when handling animals and meat, especially during slaughtering and meat processing. The ministry stressed, 'The best protection is to follow all preventive measures while dealing with animals and their remains." The awareness drive came as part of the government's broader public health strategy to prevent zoonotic diseases and ensure a safe Eid celebration across the country. Meanwhile, Muscat Municipality said in a statement that slaughterhouses and fruit and vegetable markets undergo intensive preparations during the festive seasons to provide integrated services for consumers, as municipality continues its efforts to ensure service quality and maintain public health and safety.
