Toxic insecticide threatens lives in DR Congo

In Lubumbashi, households use Lava, an insecticide containing dichlorvos, to kill cockroaches and mosquitoes indoors, although it is designed for spraying across large agricultural areas. Dr. Paul Musa says 22 poisonings linked to indoor spraying were recorded between December 7, 2025, and February 25, 2026, including 14 cases requiring hospitalization. Reported symptoms include dizziness, headaches and nausea, while severe poisoning can cause breathing difficulties, coma or death. The WHO classifies dichlorvos as highly hazardous, and it is banned in Europe and Canada, yet Lava is still marketed in the Democratic Republic of Congo.