Human Cystic Echinococcosis in The Populations of MENA Countries, With A Focus on The United Arab Emirates, From 1990 To 2019: From Genetic Epidemiology of Rare Disease to Systematic Analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019

This article provides a thorough and methodical evaluation of the Human Cystic Echinococcosis (HCE) burden in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) area from 1990 to 2019, with a particular focus on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). HCE is prevalent in many places, including MENA, and has a severe public health effect as a zoonotic disease. By analyzing data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease Study, we were able to calculate the rate of HCE and the number of years of life lost due to it. In 2019, across 21 countries, the three highest number of CE cases were measured in Iran with 5760 (95% UI: 4753 to 6977), in Iraq with 5489 (95% UI: 2905 to 8992), and in Sudan with 5070 (95% UI: 2661to 8432). The largest increase in the number of incident CE cases was seen in UAE (459% increase), Jordan (450% increase), and Afghanistan (234% increase). Moreover, the largest increase in the ASIR of CE was measured was observed in Jordan [EAPC = 2.06%, 95% UI: (1.66–2.47%)], while the greatest reduction was seen in Qatar [EAPC = ‒0.21%, 95% UI: (‒0.36% to ‒0.06%)]. Our research shows that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Middle East are both heavily impacted by HCE. The fact that HCE keeps returning shows that not all bases have been covered in the fight against this illness. The research highlights the need for more focused, resource-optimized measures to tackle HCE, especially in heavily afflicted places like the UAE. To better health outcomes associated with HCE in the MENA area, this report is an essential evidence-based resource for policymakers, healthcare professionals, and academics.