The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have recently released the brochure “Preventing suicide by phasing out highly hazardous pesticides”. This resource, drawing on the 2023 WHO/FAO Guidance on use of pesticide regulation to prevent suicide and the 2019 WHO/FAO publication Preventing suicide: a resource for pesticide registrars and regulators, is a significant step in the direction of driving global action to reduce pesticide-related suicides.
According to WHO estimates, more than 700,000 people die by suicide every year worldwide. Studies have shown that the intentional ingestion of acutely toxic pesticides, accounts for around 15-20% of global suicides. The brochure highlights that a majority of cases of pesticide poisoning occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where regulatory systems and resources for safe pesticide control are often inadequate. In addition to suicide, these pesticides can lead to various health issues, including cancer, developmental disorders, and death. Their widespread use and easy access in households also pose a significant risk to communities, especially in LMICs, increasing the likelihood of accidental or intentional poisoning.
It is thus imperative to raise awareness on this issue among stakeholders, including policymakers, pesticide regulators, and the public. Coordinated, multisectoral efforts to eliminate these hazardous substances and promote safer alternatives are needed. The brochure outlines practical approaches to phasing out highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), such as identifying those used in suicides, promoting safer alternatives, enforcing bans on hazardous pesticides, and ensuring effective regulation and surveillance.
In line with the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, this brochure emphasises the urgent need to address the public health crisis caused by HHPs and their contribution to global suicide rates. The theme ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’ aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour. Developing and implementing policies that approach suicide prevention strategically, with an emphasis on evidence-based interventions, is the right step in that direction. Restricting access to lethal means of suicide – including the ban on acutely toxic HHPs – is recognised by WHO as a highly effective way to prevent suicide, and evidence of its success is already visible in countries like the Republic of Korea and Sri Lanka.
This is a valuable resource for those committed to preventing suicide and promoting safer agricultural practices worldwide. As stated in the resource, “If lethal means of self-harm, including HHPs, were not readily available in households at moments of crisis, many lives would be saved.” Banning HHPs is a cost-effective and life-saving measure that can prevent suicides and protect public health.
