2024-08-19-世界卫生组织-Preventing_suicide_by_phasing_out_highly_hazardous_pesticides_9页_805kb

• Problem: Highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) are a major public health concern, contributing to an estimated 15-20% of global suicides (up to 140,000 deaths/year) and 385 million cases of unintentional poisoning annually, with LMICs being disproportionately affected. They cause acute and chronic health issues, environmental damage, and high mortality.

• Highly hazardous pesticides: Defined by WHO/Food and Agriculture Organization criteria, including acute and chronic toxicity. They can lead to irreparable harm, contaminating soil and water, and are often cheap and accessible in LMICs, used for self-poisoning and other purposes.

• Risks and effects: HHPs are lethal even in small doses, with no antidote for some. They affect children and vulnerable groups, disrupt ecosystems, and are tied to high suicide rates in LMICs due to easy access.

• Benefits of phasing out: Reduces suicide and accidental deaths by limiting access to lethal means (means restriction). It is cost-effective where pesticide suicides account for at least 2% of national suicides, protects health, and safeguards the environment.

• Phasing out process: Requires identification of HHPs, evaluation of safer alternatives (biopesticides or agroecological methods), regulatory action (bans, withdrawal), surveillance, and inspection of use. Success seen in countries like South Korea and Sri Lanka.

• Key stakeholders: Multisectoral collaboration involving health, agriculture, customs, industry, NGOs, and community leaders ensures effective implementation.

Phasing out HHPs is a proven strategy to prevent suicide and improve public health and environmental sustainability, particularly in low- and middle-income nations.