DDT USE IN UGANDA

According to a recent article in the East African Uganda has commenced country-wide spraying of crops with DDT, the controversial insecticide who’s use was credited with the near-elimination of malaria in Africa and complete elimination in many tropical areas around the world. However In the 1960’s after decades of DDT use, side-effects of the chemical in plants, animals and humans led to its ban soon thereafter. This ban, some experts say, has resulted in the resurgence of malaria across Africa – in areas where it was once under control. Uganda risks loosing key export markets for fresh produce as buyers reject goods with trace elements of DDT. What is the way forward for Uganda? Should national health trump the exporters lobby?