Ms. Zinhle Gama
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
Ms. Zinhle Gama
Job role
Researcher at the Department of Agricultural Research & Specialist Service, Ministry of Agriculture
Country
Eswatini
Summary of activity
Ms. Gama has been spearheading work in Eswatini to identify and regulate highly hazardous pesticides responsible for poisoning cases and deaths. Through her leadership, four pesticides have been proposed for regulatory action, including three for banning and one for tighter restrictions.
Why is this work important to you?
"Highly hazardous pesticides undermine sustainable pest management, endangering farmers’ health and the environment. Tackling this challenge is essential to secure resilient food systems and protect the well-being of farming communities."