Dr Claudina Elington Cayetano
Celebrating women across the globe helping to prevent deaths from pesticide self-poisoning.Supporting countries in the Americas to develop and implement suicide prevention plans
Name
Dr Claudina Elington Cayetano
Job role
Mental Health Advisor, Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
Location
Washington D.C.
Tell us about your role?
In my role, I work with countries in the Americas through technical cooperation to help them develop and implement suicide prevention plans, and provide guidance for monitoring and evaluation, with special emphasis on strengthening surveillance systems for suicide prevention and mental health data collection. This work is in line with PAHO’s Strategy and Plan of Action on Mental Health and the Regional Suicide Prevention Initiative. It is essential that countries implement effective interventions to reduce the death by suicides. This is essential, and I consider my privilege to stand beside them in that pursuit.
Why is this work important to you?
I am passionate about this work because over the years I have seen and witnessed the value of supporting individuals that are at risk of suicide. Suicide prevention is about saving lives, protecting families, and giving hope to those in despair. Pesticide poisoning is a cruel and preventable tragedy, cutting lives short in an instant. No one should die because lethal means are too easy to access. By restricting pesticides, strengthening mental health support, and raising awareness, we can stop these needless deaths. Every life matters and I am convinced that we can create a future where no one feels that suicide is their only way out.
This profile has been compiled for International Women’s Day 2025, to celebrate the incredible women worldwide who are helping to prevent deaths from pesticide self-poisoning.