Uganda’s Environmental Authority Approves Use of DDT To Control Malaria

Uganda's National Environment Management Authority on Tuesday approved the use of the pesticide DDT to control the spread of malaria in the country, the New Vision reports. "NEMA is hereby approving an integrated approach to malaria control involving the use of DDT, pythroids controls, insecticide-treated nets, biological control methods and sanitations options," NEMA Executive Director Aryamanya Mugisha said in a statement to the Ministry of Health (Tenywa, New Vision, 1/2). Mugisha said the ministry would decide when to begin spraying programs with the pesticide, which will be monitored by the Ministry of Agriculture (Nsangi/Ssenkabirwa, Monitor, 1/3). Uganda early last year announced it would begin nationwide indoor insecticide spraying using DDT, with support from the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative, despite warnings from the European Union that the move could affect the country's agricultural exports. The European Union in 2005 issued a warning to Uganda that its produce and flora exports to E.U. nations might suffer if the country implemented a malaria control strategy that employs DDT. After the World Health Organization in September 2006 endorsed the use of the chemical to control malaria, the health ministry announced that it would begin using the chemical in June 2007. The European Union recently issued a statement that the use of the pesticide will not affect food exports from the country or other African nations (GlobalHealthReporting.org, 12/8/06). Mugisha called for the health ministry to obtain the required approvals from the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and WHO before the chemical is reintroduced in the country. Environmental advocates expressed disappointment with NEMA's decision. Ken Lukyamuzi, an environmental advocate, said he plans to challenge the decision in court (New Vision, 1/2).

Health Ministry To Distribute ITNs
The Ugandan government plans to begin a nationwide distribution of 1.8 million ITNs through a grant from the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Health Minister Stephen Mallinga said last week, the Monitor reports. He added that the ITNs will be distributed at no cost to pregnant women and children under age five. The nets initially will be distributed to at least one subcounty in every county, and the remaining subcounties will receive nets that are expected to arrive "in the near future," Mallinga said (Mugerwa, Monitor, 1/3).