Banning Highly Hazardous Pesticides Saves the Lives of Young People, Particularly Females, in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Pesticide self-poisoning is a major public health issue, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In places like Sri Lanka, India and China, suicide rates –especially among young women – have declined following bans on highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs).

This report analyzes the impact of HHP bans in these countries, revealing a clear link between reduced access to lethal pesticides and lower suicide rates.

The findings highlight the effectiveness of such bans and emphasize the need for further research on demographic-specific impacts to guide targeted suicide prevention efforts.