Join us at the 79th World Health Assembly
In Person Member State-led, Ministerial Side Event
The Global Problem of Pesticide Suicides: The Time to Act is Now
Wednesday 20th May, 2026
18:00 to 20:00 (CEST)
Geneva, Switzerland
Organised by
Sri Lanka, Guyana, Kenya, Nigeria & Pakistan, in collaboration with UNEP, International Association for Suicide Prevention & supported by the University of Edinburgh.
About the event
Pesticide self-poisoning is one of the most common and lethal suicide methods worldwide, accounting for an estimated 20% of all suicides, or up to 150,000 deaths annually. The true scale is likely to be higher due to stigma and under-reporting. Highly hazardous pesticides are often used impulsively in moments of crisis, yet evidence shows that restricting access saves lives. Studies show that national bans and regulatory actions can reduce Suicide ratesa by 28% to over 70%, especially among rural communities, young people and women.
This session will convene national leaders, technical experts and global stakeholders to share experiences and advance coordinated action across health systems, ministries and communities. Participants will explore how pesticide suicide prevention can be integrated into broader NCD strategies, primary healthcare and national public health systems while strengthening multi-sector sector collaborations to save lives.
The World Health Organization regards pesticide regulation as a cost-effective mental health intervention aligned with its Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2030 and LIVE LIFE framework. Evidence shows pesticide bans reduce suicide rates without increasing other methods, supporting means restriction for SDG Target 3.4.
Expected Outcomes
- Renewed political commitment to pesticide suicide prevention
- Integration into national health and regulatory policies
- Strengthened multi-sector collaboration
- Identifying resources for scale-up
- Enhanced global knowledge sharing and visibility
- Measurable national commitments and targets
- Sustained international coordination and follow-up action
This event will be live streamed and a recording will be available.