Resistance to Fansidar is also developing due to improper use of antimalarial drugs. The number of malaria epidemics is growing too, because of heavier rain patterns in highlands and the new breeding grounds for mosquitoes created by dams and irrigation projects. The potential ban of DDT could have severe consequences for controlling malaria in countries where this is the only affordable and effective insecticide. Insecticide spraying of households and use of ITBNs protect against malaria mortality. The World Health Organization has launched Roll Back Malaria, an initiative aimed at reducing malaria mortality by 50 percent by 2010.
Research is required to develop new and sustainable ways to control malaria.
Strengthening the research capacity of scientists in their own countries should be a major focus for controlling malaria in Africa. A New Look at the Numbers.