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Experts say efforts to beat malaria may backfire

By Neil Bowdler

Science reporter, BBC News

Efforts to eradicate malaria in some countries may be counter-productive, an international team of researchers suggest.

In the Lancet, they suggest some countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, may be better pursuing a policy of controlling the disease.

They also criticise the World Health Organization (WHO) for not providing adequate direction.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation spokeswoman said premature efforts at elimination, before countries are ready, will be counterproductive.

“This interesting report written by Neil Bowdler summarize the current views regarding whether to focus upon Malaria eradication or just to accept controlling the disease for the time being, considering the available resources and the obstacles surrounding eradication in countries where malaria is endemic and not to forget the bitter price of shifting funds toward eradication and ignoring control will cost us innocent lives if not carefully planned. So the question is it feasible to eradicate malaria right now or perhaps we are just chasing a mirage!”   Ahmed Bashendi