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SHARP differences among Kenyan
scientists have emerged over the government’s desire to
reintroduce the use of DDT in malaria control, seriously exposing
lack of co-ordination in the country’s research programmes.
DDT has sent scientists from the Kenya Medical Research Institute
(Kemri) on a collision course with their colleagues from the International
Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (Icipe) while their East
African partners call for caution on the debate.
The Kemri scientists now say that the ban on DDT was done hurriedly
and without adequate data, adding its reintroduction will effectively
control and manage malaria.
However, Prof. Onesmo K. ole MoiYoi, director of research and
partnerships at Icipe, he urged his dissenting colleagues at Kemri
to look at the debate in perspective.
“The whole debate on DDT should be looked at in the wider
context of economics, the environment and the Kenya’s external
markets for goods such as horticultural and fish products,”
he said.
Coming at a time when the European Community is increasingly tightening
its minimum insecticide residues requirements from the East African
products, Prof. ole MoiYoi says that “Icipe is not only
opposed to the use of DDT, but also argues that it is also wrong
for its reintroduction when several environmentally friendly options
exist”.
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