A global commitment toward safer disease vector control
Once hailed as a miracle weapon against deadly diseases like malaria and typhus, DDT (Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane) has over time revealed its darker legacy. Widely used after its insecticidal properties were discovered in 1939, DDT became a household name during and after World War II, saving countless lives by controlling disease-carrying mosquitoes. However, its long-term environmental and health impacts—including links to cancer, reproductive harm, and ecological damage—have led to it being listed under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Today, DDT is listed in Annex B of the Convention, meaning its use is restricted. Countries may still produce or use it only for public health purposes—mainly for malaria control—when no safer, effective, and affordable alternatives exist. Even then, countries must follow strict conditions and regularly report their usage to the Stockholm Convention Secretariat.
From Control to Phase-Out: Charting a Path Forward
Since its first meeting, the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Stockholm Convention has prioritized the responsible management of DDT, establishing an expert group to monitor global production and use, assess alternatives, and evaluate countries’ progress in reducing reliance on DDT for disease vector control. This expert group convenes regularly, providing science-based recommendations to guide COP decisions.
In recent years, meaningful progress has been made toward the responsible phase-out of DDT. The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions Secretariat has played a vital role in supporting this transition, facilitating a series of intersessional consultations with countries listed in the DDT Register to foster knowledge exchange and identify pathways forward. At the third face-to-face meeting of the DDT Expert Group, held in Geneva in June 2024, delegates from ten participating countries came together to share lessons on regional cooperation and strategic planning for DDT-free disease vector control. Encouragingly, 20% of national delegates were women—reflecting a positive shift toward more inclusive participation in chemical safety governance.
“Phasing out DDT isn’t just about replacing a chemical—it’s about protecting our people, preserving our ecosystems, and proving that healthier solutions are possible. With the support of the BRS Secretariat and our global partners, we are building a future where malaria can be defeated without sacrificing our environment.”
— Participant at the 3rd Meeting of the DDT Expert Group
As part of this process, the DDT Expert Group produced a comprehensive report assessing the global production and use of DDT and its alternatives for disease vector control. Drawing on country submissions through a standardized questionnaire, the report provides critical insights into the status of DDT use worldwide and highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in the transition toward safer, sustainable alternatives.
Key recommendations from the report and accompanying discussions included:
- The need for stronger political commitment
- Improved inter-ministerial coordination, and
- Increased access to cost-effective, validated alternatives to DDT.
Persistent challenges such as stockpile management, environmentally sound disposal, and the lack of clear, science-based guidance for transitioning countries were also identified. Importantly, there was strong consensus on the need for deeper collaboration between WHO and UNEP, more targeted financial support for national phase-out plans, and regionally tailored assistance to address specific country needs.
Thanks to these collective efforts, Parties are increasingly equipped to combat malaria through safer, more sustainable alternatives—reducing dependence on DDT while protecting both people and the environment. This progress has been made possible through the financial support of the European Union and the technical guidance of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat, empowering countries to make informed decisions and advance toward a future free of DDT.