Mosquito-borne infections have considerable consequences for public health. The mere presence of a single case of vector-borne disease (VBD) introduces a risk to the local community particularly when associated with the compatible vector, host, and suitable environmental factors. Presently, there is no well-established vector control and surveillance programme in Qatar; therefore, the likelihood of VBDs spreading is undetermined. As a result, there is a pressing need to address this gap and enable successful management of VBDs. This study presents the results of three consecutive field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2019 with the aim of defining the types and distribution of mosquitoes that are of public health importance in Qatar. The results of the adult mosquito trappings show that the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus is the most widespread and abundant mosquito species, followed by Cx. perexiguus, both species representing a risk of West Nile virus transmission. All sampling methods show that the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi is widespread including in urbanised areas, suggesting a risk of local malaria transmission. The wetland mosquito Aedes caspius is also widespread, representing a risk of Rift Valley fever virus transmission. The dengue vector Ae. aegypti was not detected and can be considered neither widespread nor abundant, suggesting a minimal risk for local transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Interestingly, the study detected Culiseta longiareolata for the first time in Qatar. Regular field studies are needed to further address the knowledge gaps in terms of distribution, ecology, and biting habits of different mosquito species currently present in Qatar to accurately assess the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) have re-emerged worldwide due to urbanisation, increase in travel and climate change, becoming a major and serious threat to global public health. In Qatar, the concern has recently risen because of the attribution of the soccer 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar™, which necessitates fulfilling requirements in terms of prevention and preparedness for disease transmission, including VBDs. This review presents a general overview about current status of vectors and VBDs in Qatar and addresses key challenges and future prospects of control programmes and strategies. It is based on a vector control situation analysis and needs assessment performed during an expert mission in Qatar, November 2017, organised by the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office and achieved in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health of Qatar and other local stakeholders. The situation of vectors and VBDs of public health importance in Qatar was analysed based on a systematic literature review by December 31, 2019. The literature reveals that no locally transmitted VBD cases have been recorded in Qatar, but cases were recorded among expatriate workers and travellers who returned from an endemic country. However, data on VBD cases remain scarce except for malaria. The presence of native arthropod vectors is under-recorded to date. A compilation of literature data revealed reports of 30 vector species, including 20 mosquitoes, 2 fleas, 1 louse, 1 fly, and 6 ticks. Overall, Qatar benefits currently from a good surveillance of some VBDs (malaria) and has some capacities in vector control, but no national plan exists, and vector surveillance is in its infancy. In Qatar, clear needs exist in capacity in epidemiology and vector entomology, as well as on the organisational level, and a number of measures are suggested to mitigate and improve VBD risk assessment and management. There is an urgent need to define sustainable solutions for VBD control, management and prevention, and a number of recommendations are suggested.

Background The main way to prevent blindness from Glaucoma is by early detection and diagnosis; and to do so the awareness must be raised among people where Glaucoma is defined as an acquired chronic optic neuropathy characterized by optic disk cupping and visual field loss. Lack of knowledge about this disease is one of the most important reasons that made it develop to advanced stages. Based on that, we conducted scientific research to assess peoples’ awareness and knowledge about Glaucoma. After reviewing the literature, it was found that this study is the first in Syria. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in May 2022. The study included participants, who are above 20 years old, from visitors of Al-Mouwasat University Hospital in Damascus, Syria. During one week, Data was gathered according to the questionnaire, which was presented through face-to-face interviews with participants. We have allocated one point (1) to each question. Three levels of knowledge were adopted, namely; weak level from (0) to (3), average level from (4) to (7) and good level from (8) to (11). Associations between participants' demographic and other details were tested using Chi-square test and other tests, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 500 participants were interviewed. For awareness of Glaucoma, 33.6% of the participants (n = 168) had heard of Glaucoma, and 66.4% hadn’t (n = 332). Mean test results for the knowledge of Glaucoma was 1.62 out of 11, and only 8% of participants (n = 40) had a good knowledge of Glaucoma. Education Level, governorate, and department of hospital that the patient came for significantly affected the knowledge of Glaucoma. Moreover, hospital, Ophthalmologists' Clinics, and health staff (M = 5.45) were the better Resource for information than family, relatives, and friends (M = 3.16). Finally, social media and the Internet group had the lowest mean test results (M = 1.23). These test results were significant, with a p-value < 0.001. Conclusion The percentage of knowledge and awareness was significantly low. Organized community awareness methods must disseminate more ability to increase the general public's understanding to avoid injury and late diagnosis of Glaucoma.