Approaches to effective malaria control that avoid DDT in Kenya: use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi).
Approximately 70 percent of Kenya's land is prone to malaria epidemics, and out of the approximately 31 million Kenyans, more than 20 million are "at constant risk of malaria." Malaria kills approximately 26,000 children per year in Kenya and about 170 million working days are lost due to malaria per year. Malaria accounts for 30 percent of all outpatient attendance and 19 percent of all admissions to Kenyan health facilities. This report discusses the use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis-commonly known as Bti-as an alternative to DDT. BTi was recently introduced in the war against malaria in Kenya and it is not yet widely used due to the low level of production. However, its application is increasing with increased awareness and production. The findings of this study support phasing out of DDT and substituting it with IVM which includes the larvicide Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis as an effective malaria control strategy. Where other viable alternatives to DDT that pose less risk to human health and the environment are to be used, close monitoring of application of these alternatives must be put in place.
Outputs:
Report: Approaches to effective malaria control that avoid DDT in Kenya: use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi)
Brief used to contribute to national policy on malaria control