(Dakar, Senegal)

NGOs at the 3rd Conference of the Parties of the Stockholm Convention (COP3) called on government delegates to take action on malaria and DDT issues as they begin their deliberations this week in Dakar. The Conference will discuss DDT and funding for safer alternatives.

“Far too little money and technical support are dedicated to address the global malaria epidemic, and DDT is mistakenly seen as a cheap and easy solution,” said Henry Diouf, PAN Afrique. “African countries need action on this matter now.”

The Stockholm Convention is very clear on DDT: It permits restricted use for disease vector control with the aim of reduction and elimination.

In Africa, the region of the world most affected by malaria, a dedicated source of funds and other technical support is desperately needed to assist countries in their struggles to replace the persistent organic pollutant, DDT, in malaria control.

In September 2006, the World Health Organization claimed that, “DDT has a clean bill of health.” This incorrect statement has caused confusion around the world. In fact, DDT exposure carries elevated risks of human reproductive disorders and is especially dangerous for developing infants and children.

“DDT intended for public health use will inevitably be diverted to illegal agricultural use, resulting in greater human exposures and contamination,” said Dr. Paul Saoke, Physicians for Social Responsibility, Kenya. “This hastens the development of resistant mosquito populations, leading to even more malaria cases.”   

A successful Stockholm Convention will require adequate financing, clear implementation plans that include civil society participation and the political will to keep the promise of the Stockholm Convention by eliminating POPs. IPEN and PAN pledge to continue their efforts to implement the Convention in all countries, and call upon governments and all stakeholders to do the same.

NGOs will present a special event on DDT and malaria control at the conference on Tuesday, 1 May.

Contact: Henry Diouf, PAN Afrique +221 637 12 08