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Preventing the Spread of Malaria and Dengue Fever Using Genetically Modified Mosquitoes
Published on: July 4, 2007
The disappearance of Dutch malaria and the Rockefeller Foundation
1University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Dept of Medical Microbiology, PO Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.verhave@mmb.azn.nl
Parassitologia
|March 10, 2001
Summary
Malaria was eradicated in the Netherlands by 1960, with significant contributions from the Rockefeller Foundation. This historical review examines the disease
Area of Science:
- Historical epidemiology
- Public health interventions
- Tropical medicine in temperate climates
Background:
- Tertian malaria was endemic in the Netherlands until the mid-20th century.
- The Rockefeller Foundation (RF) played a crucial role in malaria control efforts.
- Dutch malariologists documented the disease's epidemiology and control.
Observation:
- The Rockefeller Archives provide anecdotal context to scientific publications.
- Malaria experienced an epidemic resurgence during the war years.
- New control strategies advocated by the RF were implemented.
Findings:
- The vector population significantly declined, leading to malaria's disappearance by 1960.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) was initially hesitant to declare the Netherlands malaria-free.
- Historical data offers perspective on current concerns about malaria re-emergence.
Implications:
- Understanding historical malaria control informs current public health strategies.
- The success in the Netherlands demonstrates the feasibility of malaria eradication.
- Vigilance is necessary to prevent the reintroduction of malaria in previously cleared regions.
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