WHO recommends returning DDT

DDT has been banned for use worldwide because of its environmental impact and human health.

Millions of people die from malaria every year in the world (Photo: BBC) WHO now believes that there is no risk to health and DDT should be used together with bed nets and pills to prevent malaria and disease killing millions of people every year.

WHO spraying groups visited areas affected by the epidemic, sprayed DDT on the inside walls and saw mosquito deaths.

Restraining order for 30 years

DDT, a powerful insecticide, was considered harmful when biologist Rachel Carson described it in her Silent Spring 40 years ago.

The book says widespread use of DDT has destroyed plants and animals in North America and Western Europe.

Some countries have banned the use of DDT, and in 2004 a global treaty extended the ban worldwide, except in epidemiology.

Several African countries continue to use DDT, but gradually switch to using other drugs or using impregnated nets. Many advocate relief organizations do not finance programs that use DDT.

But now WHO says there are no effective drugs like DDT to kill mosquitoes.