Pascal Delaunay, medical entomologist and parasitologist, is one of the few leaders in this field in France. Speaking to BFMTV.com, he is upset by the “deafening silence” of the Ministry of Health on this “human health problem”, which worries some French people.
The specialist, described by the Government as a “reference” in this area, is concerned about the more or less long-term consequences of political inaction. “Aurélien Rousseau (the Minister of Health, ed.) says that it is not a problem, but it is a problem!” insists the scientist.
The effects of infestation by these insects are known. The consequences also for the mental health of the people who face it. However, Pascal Delaunay is angry to see that the issue is left in the hands of “the technicians.”
“Stop helping technicians who know nothing about human health. There are technical problems, but it is like a cancer in an apartment, it will metastasize if we do not take care of it,” explains Pascal Delaunay in a surprising comparison.
Although the question includes issues of transportation, tourism or even housing, it asks that the primary logic be health, and that the response be led by Aurélien Rousseau and his teams.
Three experts in France, none requested
But the expert claims not to have been contacted by the executive despite the looming crisis. And this, although in France there are only three entomological doctors, among them Pascal Delaunay.
On Tuesday, before the National Assembly, the Minister of Health announced that he wanted to bring together all interested parties: “Companies, tenant representatives and owners to undertake this fight together.” The day before he had asked that the population not give in to the “general panic.”
No contact or invitation was sent to the scientific experts for this Wednesday’s meeting at the Ministry of Transport or on the eve of Friday’s inter-ministerial meeting in Matignon.
“Do you hear scientists who know about insects and health? No. It seems crazy to me (…) We are three entomological doctors in France, it is not difficult (to find them),” jokes the Nice resident.
Contacted by BFMTV.com, the office of Agnès Firmin-Le Bodo, minister delegate to the Minister of Health and Prevention, justified this point. She indicates that the meeting is intended only for “different cabinets”, “probably with interested services” within the ministries invited.
Source: BFM TV
