In Africa, living in the vicinity of a reservoir increases the risk of contracting malaria roughly fourfold, Solomon Kibret and his co-researchers have found. The authors are right to recommend that dam builders must include malaria control measures in their projects. In addition, the human and economic toll of increased malaria incidence needs to be included in the cost/benefit analysis of power projects. Access to electricity is an important ingredient of public health, and the best option to provide this service should be selected in full knowledge of all costs and benefits. I salute Solomon Kibret and his co-researchers for closing an important knowledge gap.
In Africa, living in the vicinity of a reservoir increases the risk of contracting malaria roughly fourfold, Solomon Kibret and his co-researchers have found. The authors are right to recommend that dam builders must include malaria control measures in their projects. In addition, the human and economic toll of increased malaria incidence needs to be included in the cost/benefit analysis of power projects. Access to electricity is an important ingredient of public health, and the best option to provide this service should be selected in full knowledge of all costs and benefits. I salute Solomon Kibret and his co-researchers for closing an important knowledge gap.