The Medical Entomology Branch had its beginning in 1972, with the establishment of a small medical entomology unit, primarily to deal with the potential threat of malaria transmission in the Jabiru and Nhulunbuy developments. The Northern Territory was one of the first States or Territories to set up such a unit and similar units now operate in most other states.The original purpose of the Branch has been expanded to include the investigation and prevention of all insect-borne diseases, as well as to advise on aspects of other insects of medical importance.