A disease that has made a spectacular comeback after a successful eradication campaign is Malaria. The World Health Organization successfully led a global eradication program in 1955 and extensively used DDT, a powerful insecticide, to control mosquito populations. A large number of countries participated in this program and at its peak, thousands of tonnes of DDT were being used to reach at least half a billion people. This campaign resulted in a 60% reduction in the number of malaria patients by the 1960s. The extensive use of DDT to kill mosquitoes showed results. However, the disease resurfaced (especially in South Asia) and a higher number of patients were reported in the 1970s. A number of factors contributed to this resurgence, including early termination of eradication programs, poor management, resistance of insects to insecticides, etc. In a number of countries, DDT was banned and some other insecticide was used.
Africa also reported a resurgence in malaria, potentially due to climate change. This resulted in more conducive conditions for mosquito growth and the spread of disease.
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