'Levelling' the spread of malaria

Levelling land could be the key to helping control the spread of malaria, according to new research.

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have used computer modelling to analyse methods to limit the impact of the disease on global health.

They found that agricultural efforts, including getting rid of depressions in the landscape and using plant-derived pesticides, could help prevent the spread of malaria.

Filling low spots can help eliminate pools of standing water in less than seven to ten days - equal to the length of time it takes for mosquitoes to mature.

MIT professor Elfatih Eltair said: "For the first time, we have a detailed computer model.

"By using local tools and local labour, our approach relies less on high-technology equipment from outside the region, which tends to make the local people more dependent."

Researchers also claim that this approach has a more permanent impact than preventative measures such as vaccinations or mosquito nets.

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