Boost in tackling global pesticide suicides
University of Edinburgh
The drive to prevent suicides from pesticide poisoning in low and middle-income countries will continue at the University of Edinburgh thanks to new investment.
The Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention (CPSP) is estimated to have saved between 15,000 and 30,000 lives over the past three years by improving regulation of highly toxic pesticides in countries across Asia.
A donation of £6.5million from Open Philanthropy, who have supported the centre since its formation in 2017, will enable researchers to expand into new countries as they bid to significantly reduce suicides from pesticide poisoning.
By removing highly hazardous pesticides from agricultural practice, experts estimate that global pesticide suicide rates will fall rapidly from more than 100,000 deaths a year to less than 20,000.
Global issue
Pesticide poisoning is one of the most common methods of suicide worldwide. It is believed that more than 14 million people have died from pesticide self-poisoning since the 1960s.
It is a particular problem in low and middle-income countries where more than 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.
Effective action
Since 2017 researchers from CPSP have worked with regulators and policymakers in low and middle-income countries to identify pesticides responsible for deaths and end their use through regulatory action.
In 2019, as a direct result of CPSP research and engagement, Nepal introduced a national ban on five highly hazardous pesticides with the specific aim of reducing suicides.
The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu announced a temporary ban on six pesticides in early 2023 following consultation between CPSP researchers and the departments of health and agriculture.
CPSP has also worked with regional groups of pesticide regulators in Africa, supporting the development of regional action plans on highly hazardous pesticides.
Researchers from the centre also work closely with United Nations organisations, including the World Health Organisation and the Food and Agriculture Organisation.
The centre hopes to further develop its work in Africa and the Caribbean, building on its initial success in Asia.
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.
Professor Michael Eddleston, Director of the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention at the University of Edinburgh
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