SOUTH Africa has told UN-sponsored talks that it needs to keep using the lethal chemical DDT to fight a growing threat from the lethal, mosquito-borne disease malaria. The talks are aimed at curbing or eliminating 12 persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including DDT, which has been used since World War II to protect people from malaria. The South African delegation said its view had received widespread support from the conference: ”We believe that this is a move that puts people first,” it said. – Reuters