The Global Problem of Pesticide Suicides: The Time to Act is Now

Pesticide self-poisoning is one of the most common and lethal suicide methods worldwide, accounting for an estimated 20% of all suicides. This WHA79 side event will bring together national leaders, technical experts and global stakeholders to share experience and advance coordinated action.

The session will explore how pesticide suicide prevention can be integrated into broader NCD strategies, primary health care, and national public health systems while strengthening multisectoral collaboration to save lives.

Organized on behalf of Sri Lanka, Guyana, Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan in collaboration with UNEP, the International Association for Suicide Prevention and the University of Edinburgh.

Key focus areas include:

• Restricting access to highly hazardous pesticides as a proven suicide-prevention intervention.
• Integrating pesticide suicide prevention into health systems and public health strategies.
• Aligning action with WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 and LIVE LIFE framework.
• Supporting SDG Target 3.4 through evidence-based means restriction.