Dr. Federico Alejandro Moncada Chévez
Recognising the role of pesticide regulators in suicide preventionPesticide regulators: the hidden heroes of suicide prevention
For World Suicide Prevention Day 2026, 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.
Name
Dr. Federico Alejandro Moncada Chévez
Job role
Head of the National Occupational Health Program; Coordinator of the National Commission on Workers’ Health of Honduras; National Coordinator, SALTRA-Honduras
Country
Honduras
Summary of activity
Dr. Moncada Chévez recently led an assessment of data on pesticide poisoning and deaths in Honduras, identifying two highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) responsible for a high number of cases. He is currently working with the pesticide regulatory agency to promote stronger regulatory action on these pesticides. He has also played a key role in developing a nationwide campaign for Suicide Prevention Week, raising awareness of pesticide poisoning and suicide prevention.
Why is this work important to you?
"Addressing suicide by highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) in Honduras is a critical, evidence-based public health and occupational safety priority. Restricting access to lethal means directly saves lives during acute, impulsive crises without compromising agricultural productivity or food security. Through intersectoral governance and phased transitions to safer agrochemical alternatives, we protect vulnerable rural communities, strengthen national toxicological surveillance, and fulfill our institutional commitment to safeguarding human life."