WHO recommends DDT to control malaria

The pesticide dicophane (DDT) should once more play a part in controlling malaria, the World Health Organization has announced. DDT has been banned for agricultural use in many countries since the 1970s because of fears about its harmful effects on the environment and human health. Almost 30 years ago, widespread indoor spraying with DDT and other insecticides to control malaria were phased out. But WHO is now recommending the use of indoor residual spraying, not only in epidemic areas, but also in areas with constant and high rates of transmission of malaria, which includes all of Africa. “The scientific and programmatic evidence clearly supports this reassessment,” said Dr Anarfi Asamoa-Baah, assistant director general at WHO for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. “Indoor residual spraying is useful to quickly reduce …