Analysis and critique - Essay Example

The article, “Global status of DDT and its alternatives for use in vector control to prevent disease”, by van den Berg (2009) aims to evaluate the use of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in malaria vector control and assess its alternatives. He contends that the risks of DDT are many and that in order to alleviate the dangers that DDT poses the best solution would be to take an integrated vector management (IVM) approach (p. 1661). By collecting data through surveys and questionnaires, filled by national authorities, and relevant literature, including publications by the Stockholm Convention, van den Berg has attempted to study the manufacture, use and effects of DDT usage today (2009).

The side effects, resistance to insecticides in vectors and cost-effectiveness of DDT were discussed (2009). He concludes that though there is limited implementation of DDT alternatives, however, more research needs to be done, as IVM will diminish dependence on DDT (2009, p. 1661).Van den Berg states that, when compared with other insecticides, DDT was once a cost effective method of vector control, however, that does not hold true any longer; even as early as 1998, the cost of DDT and other insecticides became almost equal, with DDT costs ranging from US$1.50-3.00 and other insecticides costing less than US$2.

20 (2009, p. 1657-1658). Moreover, recent studies show that the risk of human exposure is great in those living in sprayed houses (2009, p. 1658), however, there is a dearth of such studies, e.g. no peer-reviewed data is available from India which is the biggest user of DDT (2009, p. 1658). Van den Berg points out that though the WHO is reassessing the health risks of DDT, however, progress in this regard is slow (2009, p. 1658). DDT is known to be a persistent molecule and, as such, it takes a long while for it to degrade.

It does not run-off either, as it binds itself with the organic matter present in soils and aquatic sediment (van den Berg, 2009, p. 1658). The DDT molecules have been shown to cause a lot of harm in the environment; therefore, there is a need for other alternatives to be explored. Another disadvantage of continuing to use DDT is the insecticide resistance that has been reported in certain species of the vectors. Van den Berg states that though the resistance was developed as a consequence of the excessive use of DDT in the agricultural sector, however, it is further exacerbated by the use of synthetic pyrethroids (2009, p. 1658). Van den Berg has also given a list of certain alternatives to DDT in Table 2 (2009, p. 1659); he states that though the mainstream alternatives – insecticide-treated bed nets and other insecticides – have been proven to be effective, however, not much attention is given to other alternatives, whether chemical or nonchemical (2009, p.

1659-1660); a combination of these alternatives is needed for an IVM in order to combat malaria. However, there is still much research that needs to be done.Van den Berg has made his case quite clear, concise and well organized. He has used data from various published articles as well as his own research conducted through surveys and questionnaires; he has also used information regarding project proposals that were submitted to the Global Environment (van den Berg, 2009, p. 1656). His research was very thorough and he has taken into account most of the countries, that are still using DDT.

The fact that he has admitted the unavailability of literature – as in the case of India (p. 1658) – shows that he has done thorough and honest research. Table 2 in his article (2009, p. 1659), in which he puts forward the alternative methods for malaria vector control, is quite thorough and with it he details the risks as well as the targeted vector stage, and the resources and delivery mechanisms required proving he has researched the alternative methods well.Van den Berg’s article shows the current situation with regard to DDT, and its side-effects as well as cost-effectiveness and vector resistance; in conclusion, it makes a good case for the use of IVMs for malaria control, albeit further studies are needed to establish their use and effectiveness on field.