The collaboration between the Ministry of Health of Oman and WHO, which started in 1971, is a strong bond of mutual respect and support. This close collaboration has resulted in many accomplishments within the country and in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The planned 3-day meeting of the Yemeni malaria team to develop the strategic plan for malaria-free Hadramout area is a clear example. As WHO was unable to field a mission to Yemen to support the malaria programme, the Ministry of Health, welcomed the opportunity to host this important meeting in Muscat from 18 to 20 September 2012.

Oman has made outstanding achievements in malaria eradication and serves as a model for Yemen and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Twenty years ago, malaria was a major public health problem. Strong political commitment towards eradication of malaria involving a multi-pronged vector control programme, a focused malaria surveillance system and diligent case management has led to the near interruption of malaria transmission in the country. The malaria programme continues to be vigilant due to the continued risk of malaria importation.