Mr. Hasmath Ali
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
Mr. Hasmath Ali
Job role
Registrar Pesticides and Toxic Chemicals at Ministry of Health
Country
Trinidad and Tobago
Summary of activity
Mr. Ali led the development of a technical roadmap on suicide means restriction, focused on limiting access to highly toxic pesticides. Following data collection and analysis, five pesticides associated with high numbers of poisoning cases and deaths were deregistered for use in Trinidad and Tobago in 2021.
He is now implementing a national roadmap for highly hazardous pesticides for 2026–2032. Among other benefits, the roadmap aims to reduce access to highly lethal pesticides used in suicide and self-harm.
Why is this work important to you?
"My work in pesticide management is important because it directly protects human health, communities and the environment. Through effective regulation, risk assessment, surveillance and the phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides, I help reduce exposure to chemicals that can cause poisoning, serious illness and death. This work is particularly meaningful in suicide prevention, where restricting access to highly lethal pesticides can save lives. I believe sound pesticide management is therefore not simply regulatory work, but an important public health intervention."