[afro-nets] RFI: Literature on the history of DDT usage

[Edward K.Mensah <dehasnem@uic.edu>]

RFI: Literature on the history of DDT usage for malaria eradica-
tion
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Hello All!

Re: [afro-nets] AFRO-NETS is about malaria (15)

Thanks for settling this issue amicably. Now let us get on with
the purpose of this list serve. Can somebody provide me with
literature on the history of DDT usage for malaria eradication
in the developed world? Why can we not duplicate this same proc-
ess in the developing world? I came across literature on malaria
prevalence in Chicago in the late 19th century and the role DDT
played in getting rid of mosquitoes in swampy Illinois. As an
economist I can see all the economic losses to the state of Il-
linois and the world had the Chicago area, the capital of the
world's futures market, been a malaria endemic region today. And
as an African who frequently visits my home country Ghana I al-
ways see the losses in productivity due to morbidity from ma-
laria, not counting the losses from premature death.

My big question is what are the arguments for and against DDT
applications in the right (scientifically determined) propor-
tions in Africa? I love to address this question both ethically
and economically.

Happy Holidays,

Edward Mensah
Health Economist
University of Illinois, Chicago
mailto:dehasnem@uic.edu