By Sharon Atieno
Suicide, especially among young people, continues to pose a major health challenge in Africa, where stigma, lack of awareness, and limited availability of mental health resources make the issue worse.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700,000 individuals globally lose their lives to suicide annually. In Africa, the suicide rate is notably high, with approximately 12 deaths per 100,000 people, surpassing the global average of about nine. The majority of suicide-related deaths happen among individuals aged 15 to 29.
"When young individuals are suppressed by stigma or prevented from obtaining affordable treatment, it affects us all. Preventing suicide should be a shared responsibility," stated Prof. Zul Merali, Founder Director of the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at the Aga Khan University.
He noted that preventing suicide is not the responsibility of one sector alone. It demands a joint effort from various stakeholders, such as researchers, decision-makers, and the broader community.
Professor Merali was addressing a top-level conference titled "Making Suicide Everyone’s Business: Hope in Action," in celebration of World Suicide Prevention Day (observed every year on September 10). The gathering was organized by BMI and the Science for Africa Foundation.
The discussion examined how stigma still prevents open dialogue about suicide, the importance of changing public perceptions, and methods for increasing access to affordable, youth-oriented mental health care.
Dr. Judith Omumbo, Director of Programmes at the Science for Africa Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaboration across different sectors. "Suicide is not a minor issue. It is not solely the responsibility of health systems. It affects all levels of society—families, schools, workplaces, religious groups, government, and other communities throughout our continent. Therefore, preventing it must be a shared responsibility, and if each of us embraces our role, we can transform this fear into hope and meaningful action," she stated.
Dr. Omumbo highlighted the importance of churches and religious groups in offering hope, minimizing prejudice, and assisting people with their most profound requirements.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of employing digital tools and technology to address major treatment disparities and expand access to remote and underprivileged regions, where mental health resources are typically scarce.
As stated by Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse of the WHO Regional Office for Africa, suicide and thoughts of self-harm in the region are frequently met with stigma and embarrassment, hindering individuals from openly discussing their experiences.
Advocating for the decriminalization of suicide, Madzvamutse stated, "When suicide is treated as a criminal act, stigma and embarrassment increase, which frequently results in fewer reported suicide cases."
In response to the shortage of mental health professionals in the area, Dr. Linette Ongeri, Senior scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), emphasized the importance of task shifting.
"Task sharing can involve training teachers, training community health workers, and engaging counselors to ensure there is oversight and that the procedures are being adhered to," she stated.
Dr. Ongeri also emphasized the importance of seeking financial support for suicide prevention initiatives. This involves providing training and resources to individuals, particularly gatekeepers like teachers, healthcare professionals, and religious figures. These groups are typically the first to interact with those in need.
Suicide and a past history of suicidal attempts are significant risk factors for suicide. Additional risks encompass living in humanitarian or unstable environments, experiencing depression or anxiety, having a previous history of self-harm, substance abuse, and enduring chronic health conditions.
The conference marked a significant move towards promoting cooperative, data-driven, and community-focused strategies for preventing suicide in Kenya and throughout Africa. By highlighting young people's perspectives, enhancing policy measures, and basing solutions on research, the project seeks to decrease stigma, increase access to support, and encourage unified efforts that protect lives.
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