“Acknowledge the Mistakes Carson Made”

In today’s Wall Street Journal Uganda’s director of Health Services Sam Zaramba points out the perils of anti-DDT campaigns to his country. He notes: “Misguided environmentalists are killing Africans … Environmental leaders must join the 21st century, acknowledge the mistakes Carson made, and balance the hypothetical risks of DDT with the real and devastating consequences of malaria. Uganda has demonstrated that, with the proper support, we can conduct model indoor spraying programs and ensure that money is spent wisely, chemicals are handled properly, our program responds promptly to changing conditions, and malaria is brought under control.” Prediction: Greens will attack the minister rather than join efforts to save Africa’s children. With any luck, Dr. Zaramba can continue to make progress without them. Hopefully other officials in Africa will also step up and follow Zaramba’s lead. More …