Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2017 Oct 5;16(1):401.
doi: 10.1186/s12936-017-2050-2.

Global trends in the production and use of DDT for control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases

Henk van den Berg  1 , Gamini Manuweera  2 , Flemming Konradsen  3
Affiliations

Global trends in the production and use of DDT for control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases

Henk van den Berg et al. Malar J. .

Abstract

Background: DDT was among the initial persistent organic pollutants listed under the Stockholm Convention and continues to be used for control of malaria and other vector-borne diseases in accordance with its provisions on acceptable purposes. Trends in the production and use of DDT were evaluated over the period 2001-2014.

Results: Available data on global production of DDT showed a 32% decline over the reporting period, from 5144 to 3491 metric tons of active ingredient p.a. Similarly, global use of DDT, for control of malaria and leishmaniasis, showed a 30% decline over the period 2001-2014, from 5388 metric tons p.a. to 3772 metric tons p.a. India has been by far the largest producer and user of DDT. In some countries, DDT is used in response to the development of resistance in malaria vectors against pyrethroid and carbamate insecticides. Some other countries have stopped using DDT, in compliance to the Convention, or in response to DDT resistance in malaria vectors. Progress has been made in establishing or amending national legal measures on DDT, with the majority of countries reportedly having measures in place that prohibit, or restrict, the production, import, export and use of DDT. Limitations in achieving the objectives of the Stockholm Convention with regard to DDT include major shortcomings in periodic reporting by Parties to the Stockholm Convention, and deficiencies in reporting to the DDT Register.

Conclusion: Global production and global use of DDT have shown a modest decline since the adoption of the Stockholm Convention.

Keywords: Insecticide resistance; Leishmaniasis; Malaria; Vector control.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Annual global production of DDT. Data exclude DDT used as intermediate in the production of Dicofol, and use as additive in anti-fouling paints. Data for 2001, 2002 and 2004 are lacking
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Annual global use of DDT. The contribution of sub-Saharan Africa and other regions is presented
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. UNEP. Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs), as amended in 2009. Text and annexes. http://chm.pops.int/TheConvention/Overview/TextoftheConvention/tabid/223.... Accessed 17 July 2017. Geneva: United Nations Environment Programme; 2010.
    1. WHO. The use of DDT in malaria vector control. WHO position statement. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/hq/2011/WHO_HTM_GMP_2011_eng.pdf. Accessed 17 July 2017. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2011.
    1. UNEP. Provisional DDT register pursuant to paragraph 1 of Part II of Annex B of the Stockholm Convention. http://www.pops.int/documents/registers/ddt.htm. Accessed 17 July 2017.
    1. UNEP. Report by the United Nations Environment Programme on the road map for the development of alternatives to DDT. UNEP/POPS/COP.7/INF/6. Geneva: Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, United Nations Development Programme; 2015.
    1. UNEP. Toolkit for the sound management of DDT for disease vector control. Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Scientific and Technical Document Series: DDT. http://chm.pops.int/Implementation/PesticidePOPs/DDT/DDTToolkit/tabid/50.... Accessed 17 July 2017. Geneva: Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention, United Nations Development Programme; 2016.

MeSH terms