World Suicide Prevention Day 2026
Recognising the role of pesticide regulators in suicide preventionPesticide regulators: the hidden heroes of suicide prevention
This World Suicide Prevention Day, we celebrate and recognise the important role of pesticide regulators. By limiting access to acutely toxic pesticides – a highly lethal method of suicide – they are making a significant contribution to global suicide prevention.
Here are just some of the many men and women across the globe who work quietly behind the scenes to make our world a safer place.
Mr. Hasmath Ali
Implementing a national roadmap for highly hazardous pesticides in Trinidad and Tobago.
Dr. Federico Alejandro Moncada Chévez
Led an assessment of data on pesticide poisoning and deaths in Honduras.
Mr. Kenneth Chipere
Played a key role in developing Zimbabwe’s national strategy to mitigate the risks posed by highly hazardous pesticides.
Ms. Zinhle Gama
Through her leadership, four highly hazardous pesticides have been identified and proposed for regulatory action in Eswatini.
Mrs Fadila M.Kurfi
Helps lead the work of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
Mr. Raphael Mwezi
Spearheaded research into pesticide poisoning in Tanzania, showing that intentional pesticide poisoning is a major issue.
Dr. J.A.Sumith
A former regulator in Sri Lanka, who played an important role in the listing of two pesticides under the Rotterdam Convention