Thanks very much Bala for telling readers what they already know, about the

economic costs of malaria sickness,being inflicted by anopheles mosquitoes, and the stupid political rangling on wehter to use outdated DDT or nets to control the spread of malaria. Your writting did not consider the recent research developement on mosquitoes and the possible clue on how to eradicate the anopheles mosquitoes that cause malaria in people. These researches are going in europe and asia. The governments of African countries or indeed Nigeria,has never pursued a vigourous yet visible researches on how to control or eliminate the anopheles mosquitoes.

What we read about are comments from heads of corporations,NGOS etc,from oversea donors on cause and effect of mosquitoes and the sickness they inflict on africans. Substantial yet unfulfilled financial promises are always pledged to help Africans fight the scudge of malaria sickness. I think it is time the Government of Nigeria start caring for the health and welfare of her citizens, both young and old. The establishment of a solid and workable healthcare system, with well equiped medical research laboratories stationed in every part of the country, should be the best way to start. Another serious issue that need urgent attention is the deplorable state of our general and teaching hospitals. Nigerians need miracles for a total revamp of all the hospitals and maternity homes. There is this air of I-don't-care attitude towards life in our hospitals. It is very important to get a workable healthcare system up and running, to help, manage the health of next generation of nigerians.

Fight mosquitoes by habitat destruction. The Typha infestations that plague your continent are favorite breeding grounds. Other aquatic weeds do nearly as well. They're in your ditches, too. Clean out the Typha, make it into charcoal fuel (powdery, needs easy briquetting), and close down the mosquito nurseries. This will greatly increase the effect of your other measures. Cattail control was part of exterminating malaria and yellow fever in America.

It is very sad that the oil rich Nigeria and all those concerned about the perils of mosquiotes failed to identify ways of minimizing the dangers of mosquitoes. Growing up in Nigeria and with the education of the 60's we were taught that one least expensive ways of destroying mosquitoes to to get rid of standing pools of water! When will all the brains and Scientific reseachers awake to the fact that drains in Nigeria are antique/outdated! Right at the entry of the Yaba Medical Research center for example is an open dirty stinking mosquito breeding drain. Wake up Nigeria and all those concerned about the welfare of her underprevilaged and the suffering families who lose their helpless loved ones to malaria.Start from the attainable provide modern drainage system and you see a dramatic decrease! World Bank contact me for consultation and first hand information as to the best way to help minimize the dangers that accompany the mosquitoes of Africa and Nigeria in particular!.