DDT will make us more miserable
SIR — For a few days now, there has been debate about the use of DDT to eradicate <br>malaria from Uganda.
SIR — For a few days now, there has been debate about the use of DDT to eradicate
malaria from Uganda.
I have also read O. E. Bukabeeba’s letter commending Brig Jim Muhwezi for planning to use it inside houses in Uganda. For a long time now, Uganda and other developing countries have been used as dumping ground with little or no resistance. at all!
I don't know if Bakubeeba has heard doctors’ views about the long term effects of the use of these
chemicals before he cheers the minister over the matter.
I think the use of DDT to ‘eradicate’ malaria is simply another political ploy with a few gains for some people. The minister and his team should rationally go back to the drawing board and devise means that suit the country’s environment.
For once, I strongly agree with Ken Lukyamuzi that our environment needs us. so, If he speaks against the use of DDT, I doubt that he is acting in foreigners’ interests like Bakubeeba claims. Besides, DDT is not manufactured by Ugandans. It was banned in 1972 and is no longer used or produced in the United States, but we here in Uganda are sheepishly embracing it forgetting how toxic it is.
The whole thing needs one common voice against those who do not respect Africa or value African lives.
Just because we are poor does not mean we deserve to be unfairly treated. I begin to question the ethics and essence of development in this DDT issue. DDT is a proven disaster and cannot be the best tool to eradicate malaria.
Pamela Ankunda
Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
SIR — The minister of health, Brig Jim Muhwezi seems to be determined to use DDT to control malaria. I shudder!
The statistics he quotes about its success in other countries are only part one of the story. Part two will be quoted by our great grandchildren when we are dead and forgotten!
That is because ecological damage is not as obvious as the raising sun. The much hyped global warming is a result of thousands of years of abusive human activities.
It is the same thing with DDT. The chickens are sure to come home to roost some day. Vietnam is still suffering from the effects of Agent Orange, thanks to the United States! Even in small quantities, DDT is still bound to be harmful to our people because of the squalor and ignorance most people live in.
Besides, many people’s immune systems have been ravaged by HIV. Inhaling DDT in whatever quantity will definitely aggravate matters. The chemical stays in the atmosphere for a very long time!
Henry Ochailap
Kaberamaid
malaria from Uganda.
I have also read O. E. Bukabeeba’s letter commending Brig Jim Muhwezi for planning to use it inside houses in Uganda. For a long time now, Uganda and other developing countries have been used as dumping ground with little or no resistance. at all!
I don't know if Bakubeeba has heard doctors’ views about the long term effects of the use of these
chemicals before he cheers the minister over the matter.
I think the use of DDT to ‘eradicate’ malaria is simply another political ploy with a few gains for some people. The minister and his team should rationally go back to the drawing board and devise means that suit the country’s environment.
For once, I strongly agree with Ken Lukyamuzi that our environment needs us. so, If he speaks against the use of DDT, I doubt that he is acting in foreigners’ interests like Bakubeeba claims. Besides, DDT is not manufactured by Ugandans. It was banned in 1972 and is no longer used or produced in the United States, but we here in Uganda are sheepishly embracing it forgetting how toxic it is.
The whole thing needs one common voice against those who do not respect Africa or value African lives.
Just because we are poor does not mean we deserve to be unfairly treated. I begin to question the ethics and essence of development in this DDT issue. DDT is a proven disaster and cannot be the best tool to eradicate malaria.
Pamela Ankunda
Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi
SIR — The minister of health, Brig Jim Muhwezi seems to be determined to use DDT to control malaria. I shudder!
The statistics he quotes about its success in other countries are only part one of the story. Part two will be quoted by our great grandchildren when we are dead and forgotten!
That is because ecological damage is not as obvious as the raising sun. The much hyped global warming is a result of thousands of years of abusive human activities.
It is the same thing with DDT. The chickens are sure to come home to roost some day. Vietnam is still suffering from the effects of Agent Orange, thanks to the United States! Even in small quantities, DDT is still bound to be harmful to our people because of the squalor and ignorance most people live in.
Besides, many people’s immune systems have been ravaged by HIV. Inhaling DDT in whatever quantity will definitely aggravate matters. The chemical stays in the atmosphere for a very long time!
Henry Ochailap
Kaberamaid