*Warning: This article discusses suicide and self-harm. If you have questions on self-harm or feel suicidal, use this link to find an international helpline – www.findahelpline.com*
The Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP) at the University of Edinburgh has received a major funding boost, with a £6.5 million donation for its work to prevent suicides from pesticide poisoning.
CPSP was established in 2017 with the aim of improving regulation of highly toxic pesticides in low and middle-income countries. This renewed funding recognises its success and impact.
It is estimated that between 15,000 and 30,000 lives have been saved over the last three years, as a direct result of CPSP work.
A leading cause of suicide
Pesticide poisoning is one of the most common methods of suicide worldwide. Over 14 million people have died from pesticide self-poisoning since the Green Revolution in the 1960s.
It is a particular problem in low and middle-income countries where over 77 per cent of global suicides occur. Vulnerable people living in rural, farming communities have easy access to highly toxic pesticides, most of which are already banned in high-income countries.
These dangerous products are often sold locally without controls and stored in homes and gardens. Rural communities do not have the capacity to use or store these pesticides safely. Community interventions, such as locked storage containers, are ineffective.
Most people ingest pesticides as an act of self-harm and do not intend to die. It is an impulsive act, with little planning, using what is available. If they survive, they are unlikely to reattempt using pesticides or other means of suicide. Unfortunately, some pesticides are so toxic that there is very low chance of survival.
An effective solution
CPSP works directly with regulators and policymakers in low and middle-income countries to identify pesticides responsible for deaths and end their use through regulatory action.
These countries often have poor surveillance systems and lack capacity. Working in partnership with local and international experts, CPSP supports data collection on pesticide poisoning; provides technical advice on alternatives; and helps to measure the impact of pesticide bans on suicide rates and crop production.
Pesticide regulation is an approach recommended by the World Health Organization, which includes ‘limiting access to the means of suicide’ as one of its five key interventions for suicide prevention.
Countries that have already implemented bans on lethal pesticides have seen a fall in suicides, with no evidence of any adverse impact on agriculture. In Sri Lanka, the total suicide rate fell by 75 per cent over 20 years, following a series of carefully considered bans between 1980 and 2010.
Evidence of impact
CPSP’s work has led directly to pesticide regulation across Asia.
In 2019, Nepal introduced a national ban on five highly hazardous pesticides with the specific aim of reducing suicides. This was the direct result of CPSP research and engagement.
In March 2023, the state of Tamil Nadu, India, announced a temporary ban on six pesticides. CPSP worked closely with both the departments of health and agriculture to support this.
CPSP has also worked with regional groups of pesticide regulators in Africa, supporting the development of regional action plans on highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs).
The Centre works closely with United Nations organizations, including the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Future work
The grant was provided by Open Philanthropy, which has supported CPSP since 2017. It provides funding for the next two years.
The funding will enable CPSP to continue existing work, as well as expanding into new countries. The Centre is further developing its work in Africa and the Caribbean, building on its initial success in Asia.
By removing all acutely toxic highly hazardous pesticides from agricultural practice, it is estimated that global pesticide suicide rates will fall rapidly from over 100,000 deaths a year to less than 20,000.
Professor Michael Eddleston, Director of the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention at the University of Edinburgh, said:
“We are delighted that our work continues to be recognised for its impact. Suicides are preventable and we have a clear, effective solution that is saving lives.
“While we are proud of what we have achieved over the last seven years, there is still much more to do. Sadly, these lethal, and totally unnecessary, pesticides are still being manufactured and sold to the world’s most vulnerable people. This generous donation will allow us to continue our work to stop this violation of human rights.”
Further reading
BLOG: Reflecting on three decades of work to prevent deaths from pesticide self-poisoning