Panafrican News Agency. AllAfrica.com.
December 20, 2000
Maputo, Mozambique - The Mozambican authorities have welcomed a proposal
from Cuba to make available the technology to produce what is claimed to be a
highly effective anti-mosquito chemical.
Agriculture Minister Helder Muteia told the national news agency that he had
instructed the national agriculture directorate to speed up the registration of
the chemical, known as "Griselet", so that it can be used in the
battle against malaria.
"We have to make use of this Cuban experience in the fight against
malaria in our country, and that's why we're treating the matter very seriously,"
the minister said.
The National Director of Agriculture, Sergio Gouveia, promised that the
chemical would soon be registered so that it can, in accordance with the Cuban
proposal, be produced by Mozambican companies.
But before registration the effectiveness of "Griselet", he said,
its impact on the environment would have to be checked.
"Normal procedures are under way," he added. "We're not under
any pressure, since this isn't an emergency situation."
The initial tests carried out earlier this year by Mozambican and Cuban
technicians gave positive results. It is claimed that, when applied to the
stagnant waters where mosquitoes breed, it is 100 percent effective in
destroying the mosquito larvae.
The Cuban ambassador, Pedro Gonzalez, claimed that one of the great
advantages of "Griselet" is that it only attacks the mosquito larvae,
and leaves other species unharmed.
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