Letter: A dam good thing

QUITE APART from the possible social and cultural consequences of build- ing a dam in Turkey, the public health consequences for people who might end up living near the scheme must be considered. Our research team showed substantial health risks for children living near newly constructed dams (British Medical Journal, 11 September), particularly in respect of malaria but also for schistosomiasis. Given the concern about the resurgence of malaria in south-eastern Europe, questions need to be asked as to what public health interventions will be implemented to safeguard future health in the locality, if the project goes ahead.

Dr PETER BYASS

School of Community

Health Sciences

University of Nottingham