PFAS raise their ugly head in malaria control: Diverging views on risk substitution.

Abstract

A controversy has arisen over whether or not the replacement of PFAS compounds as a binder between insecticides and nets by other compounds has affected the nets' efficacy in preventing malaria transmission. Robert Bos places this matter in a broader and historical context and concludes that now is the time to revisit earlier concepts and provide sustainable malaria prevention and control with a broader foundation aiming for truly resilient results. The need to promote institutional arrangements conducive to inter-sectoral action is as great in WHO Member States as it is within the structure of the World Health Organization itself. Robert Bos is former Executive Secretary, WHO/FAO/UNEP/UN-Habitat Panel of Experts on Environmental Management for Vector Control, WHO, Geneva (1983-1995) former Scientist, Division of Environmental Health, later Department of Sustainable Development and Healthy Environments, later Department of Public Health and Environment, WHO, Geneva (1995-2009) and former Coordinator, Water, Sanitation and Health, WHO, Geneva (2009-2013).