Use of DDT against malaria (17)
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Use of DDT against malaria (18)
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Dear Colleagues
It is really a shame that reliable information about many aspects of relief and development is not easily available. As someone has famously said "You are entitled to your own opinion, but you are not entitled to your own facts" ... but sadly, in the relief and development sector, the lack of reliable facts is quite remarkable and now the norm.
I attribute this very much to an agenda within the relief and development sector leadership that is more interested in politics and posturing than in cost effective results.
When you look at the available information about malaria ... the use of DDT in the context of interior residual spraying (IRS) seems to be one of the most cost effective of interventions ... perhaps 3 times or more, more cost effective than insectiicide impregnated bednets (ITN).
If you integrate vector control using well informed adulticidng and larvaciding with IRS and a program of medical treatment ... the prevalence of malaria can be reduced substantially, at costs that are significantly lower again relative to the results and the value of the program.
It is encouraging to see a growing dialog about malaria and the mobilizing of more resources to address the crisis ... but it would be great if in addition the use of the funds was optimized based on management information and reliable facts rather than merely disbursing for any old activity, no matter what the results and durable value.
Sincerely
Peter
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Peter Burgess
The Transparency and Accountability Network
Tr-Ac-Net in New York
Tel +1 212 772 6918
mailto:peterbnyc@gmail.com