Physicians Call for Complete Phase-Out of DDT
Contact: Sharon Pickett, 301-365-9307, or Sharon Newsome, 202-898-0150, ext. 230, both for Physicians for Social Responsibility
WASHINGTON, Aug. 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Malaria ranks among the world's great scourges, killing more than 1 million people annually and leaving millions more sick and debilitated.
It is estimated that the disease costs at least $2 billion annually to struggling economies in Africa and other parts of the developing world. Reducing the spread of malaria is high on the agenda of policymakers who will gather next week in Geneva for negotiations on an international treaty to regulate Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). One key question before the POPs negotiation is how to control mosquitoes that spread malaria without the use of harmful pesticides.
In the past, DDT was the primary pesticide used for malaria vector control. But because of its persistence and ability to bioaccumulate in fish, wildlife and people, DDT presents significant health hazards. DDT, and its metabolite DDE, have shown up in every breast milk sample that has been tested, including samples from such distant places as the Arctic, Mexico and South Africa. In addition, some recent studies show reduced lactation by mothers carrying a high level of DDT, endangering the health of offspring.
"There are alternatives to DDT that are both effective and cost-competitive," said Dr. Robert K. Musil, executive director of Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR), a non-profit organization representing 15,000 physicians and health professionals in the United States. Synthetic chemical pesticides and impregnated bed nets have reduced mortality and morbidity in many malaria endemic areas."
To assist governments and public health agencies, PSR has produced the Modern Malaria Control Handbook, a review of the medical and scientific literature on all aspects of malaria control. This document presents more than 150 studies demonstrating how to control malaria without the use of DDT. The handbook makes a strong case for integrated public health programs, i.e., those emphasizing case detection and treatment, vector habitat elimination and control, and community education and action.
"Every feasible effort must be made to reduce the mortality, morbidity and economic stress caused by this dreadful disease," said Dr. Musil. "The POPs Convention, offers an opportunity to phase out DDT while at the same time directing more attention and resources to safe, effective malaria control programs. We urge negotiators to help countries make the transition from reliance on pesticides to a truly integrated vector management approach. Of course, the treaty must contain an exemption for DDT use in public health emergencies, but complete DDT phase-out must be the long-term goal. We believe there are steps we can take to help countries achieve this goal safely."
------ Interviews and PSR Handbook available on request.
-0- /U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ 08/30 16:38
Copyright 1999, U.S. Newswire
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