Obuasi (Ash), Nov. 5, GNA - The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reintroduce the use of DDT (Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichcoroethane) for the control of malaria saying it is most effective and safe. The organization is therefore, presently promoting the use of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) with DDT for the control of the disease in epidemic areas as well as with constant and high malaria transmission.
Explaining the rationale for the reintroduction of DDT, which was banned about 30 years ago on Thursday in Obuasi Dr Joaquim Saweka, the WHO representative in Ghana said later extensive research had shown that well-managed IRS programme using DDT pose no harm to wildlife or humans. He said the study revealed that DDT presents no health risk when used properly adding; "WHO has given its blessings to DDT and it is important for countries to issue a clear statement outlining their position on IRS with long-lasting insecticides;" IRS is the application of long-acting insecticides on the walls and roofs of houses and domestic shelters in order to kill malaria carrying mosquitoes that land on these surfaces.
Dr. Saweka stressed that using IRS with DDT required a clear specification of where and how the spraying should be implemented in accordance with WHO guidelines.
The programmatic evidence of the research according to him showed that correct and timely use of IRS can reduce malaria transmission by up to 90 per cent.
He said, WHO was prepared to provide a facilitating role in terms of guidance and capacity building to assist countries and/or organizations that would adopt this new approach of IRS to help reduce the high mortality rate and improve the lives of the populace.
Dr. Saweka noted that the WHO would not directly engage in its promotion but would be ready to assist local communities to adopt and own the programme.
Dr Saweka announced that South Africa, Mozambique and other African countries have successfully reintroduced DDT for IRS to keep malaria cases and fatality numbers at all time low levels and move toward. Of the 14 Sub-Saharan African countries using IRS, 10 are using DDT at present.
Giving an overview of IRS adoption in Ghana, Mr. Samuel Danso, Superintendent in-charge of administration at the AngloGold Ashanti Company's Malaria Control Centre for West Africa at Obuasi, said its core business was to develop, implement and sustain an integrated malaria control programme that was effective, efficient and economical. IRS, he said, was designed to promote community involvement, reduce the severe burden of malaria at Obuasi, partnership with government malaria policy as well as all relevant stakeholders. AngloGold Ashanti gold mine is the first to introduce and spearhead the IRS usage in the country in April, this year. Since its introduction in the Obuasi municipality, the incidence of malaria has drastically reduced.
However, the Centre currently uses a chemical called Primiphos Methyl instead of the DDT because the former, after tests gave 100 per cent for the area as compared to the latter of about 80 per cent. 05 Nov. 06
