The World Health Organisation (WHO) says an estimated 703,000 people a year take their life worldwide.
For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt, and many more have serious thoughts of suicide, the global health body said as the world celebrates the 2022 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Dr Walter Mulombo, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, said 77 per cent of all global suicides occur in low and middle-income countries.
Mulombo said the day celebrated on Sept. 10 aimed to raise the awareness that suicide was preventable.
“For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt, and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.
”Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-old people,’’ he said.
According to him, the 2022 theme is “Creating hope through action” which serves as a reminder that there was an alternative to suicide.
He said, ”the theme also aspires to inspire confidence and light in all of us, aimed to empower individuals to be in charge of their lives and value the one life they have.”
“Every suicide is a tragedy that impacts the people left behind, families, communities, and the entire nation.
“I will begin by commending the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire and his team for their commitment to suicide prevention in Nigeria.
“Suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions.
”For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed,” Mulombo said.
He said in 2013, the World Health Assembly adopted the Mental Health Action Plan 2013 to 2020.
Mulombo said the plan identified suicide prevention as an essential priority for achieving the global target of reducing the rate of suicide in countries by 10 per cent by 2020.
He said that Nigeria has shown commitment to the target by first establishing the new National Mental Health Programme in ministry of health.
According to him, the ministry provided strategic leadership on mental health activities and also worked closely with the National Assembly to develop a new mental health bill which aligned with international standards.
“We are eagerly awaiting the assent of this bill by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“As WHO, we pledge to continue supporting the country to implement priority activities towards mental health, including suicide prevention and control.
“In the coming weeks, we will be supporting the review and update of the 2013 National Mental Health Policy, the development of a national framework for suicide prevention and the commemoration of the day.
“In conclusion, together, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide in our country and inadvertently around the world,’’ he said.
Mulombo said the organization would play a role in supporting people experiencing a suicidal crisis or those bereaved by suicide, whether as a member of society.
“We can all create hope through action and be the light,’’ he said.
According to him, suicide remains a serious public health concern with a profound impact on all.
