The World Health Organisation (WHO) says more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, with millions more attempting it, calling for urgent action to shift the global narrative on the issue.
Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus urged governments and communities to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster compassionate conversations.
“Each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities,” Tedros said. “We must move from silence to openness, from stigma to empathy, and from neglect to support.”
WHO data shows suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021, the last year for which figures are available. Nearly three-quarters of suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries, underscoring a global disparity.
In 2021, the global suicide rate was 8.9 per 100,000 people. Africa recorded the highest figure at 11.5, followed by Europe and Southeast Asia (10.1 each).
While links between suicide and mental disorders like depression and alcohol use are well established in high-income countries, WHO noted that many deaths occur impulsively during crises such as financial hardship, relationship disputes, or chronic illness. Vulnerable groups—including refugees, indigenous peoples, LGBTI persons, and prisoners—remain at higher risk.
WHO’s 2024 Mental Health Atlas revealed that median government spending on mental health has remained at just 2% of health budgets since 2017. The gap is stark: high-income nations spend up to $65 per person, compared with as little as $0.04 in low-income nations.
As part of its LIVE LIFE suicide prevention strategy, WHO recommends limiting access to means of suicide (such as pesticides, firearms, and medications), ensuring responsible media reporting, teaching life skills to adolescents, and improving early detection and support systems.
“Shifting the narrative on suicide also means driving systemic change, where governments prioritise and invest in quality mental health care and policies to ensure everyone gets the support they need,” Tedros stressed.
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