Editor
………FG is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens through the implementation of effective policies.
By Fatima Saka
The federal government has disclosed that young people are rated high in committing suicide in Nigeria based on global suicide data.
It has been highlighted that younger generations aged between 15 and 29 years indulge in suicide ranking as the fourth leading cause of death among this demographic.
During the ministerial press briefing on World Suicide Prevention Day in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, represented by Kachollom Shangti Daju mni, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, expressed deep concern over the rising rates of suicide among the youth.
Professor Pate emphasized that suicide is the deliberate and voluntary act of taking one’s own life.
He underscored that globally, the suicide rate stands at 9.0 per 100,000 individuals, with men being more than twice as likely to die by suicide compared to women. “Annually, an estimated 700,000 people succumb to suicide, equating to approximately one in every 100 deaths.
“In Africa, the suicide rate is 11.2 per 100,000 people, surpassing the global average of 9.0 per 100,000. Nigeria specifically reports a rate of 12.9 per 100,000 individuals.
“Moreover, the available data on suicide rates in Africa may not accurately reflect the actual prevalence due to under-reporting and the stigma surrounding mental health issues, which act as significant obstacles to precise reporting.
“In response to this pressing issue, the Ministry is actively engaged in enhancing livelihoods and reducing suicidal behavior as part of the administration’s renewed hope agenda.
“The Ministry has taken substantial steps to address the mental health needs of all Nigerians, focusing not only on those with existing mental health conditions but also on prevention and promotion of mental well-being across the populace.
“In addition to the mental health policy launched previously, the Ministry introduced a National Suicide Strategic Framework 2023-2030, which identifies risk factors, protective factors, strategic objectives, interventions, and indicators for suicide prevention in Nigeria in alignment with international best practices.
A key policy action outlined in this framework is the decriminalization of attempted suicide.
“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is collaborating closely with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and other partners to amend the laws that criminalize attempted suicide, aiming to enhance mental health and overall well-being in Nigeria. This effort will position Nigeria among nations that have decriminalized attempted suicide.”
Professor Pate further emphasized that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility that necessitates the commitment of every citizen to foster a society that values mental health, promotes well-being, and provides care for all.
“While the Ministry plays a pivotal role in providing leadership and creating conducive policies, individuals must also recognize their roles in contributing to the broader objective of improving mental health for all.”
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens through well-crafted policies.
She assured that the Ministry is actively involved in addressing health challenges in states like Borno affected by flooding, emphasizing the revitalization of primary healthcare centers to address issues stemming from poverty, which can contribute to mental health disorders and depression.
In her address, Kachollom Shangti Daju mni, the Permanent Secretary of FMHSW, represented by Dr Anyaike Chukwuma, the Director of Public Health in the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasizied on this year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” She called upon Nigerians to reconsider their approach to the issue of suicide, urging a shift away from misconceptions, stigma, and discrimination that have long surrounded the topic.
“The Negative Narrative: The conversation surrounding suicide has historically been dominated by stigma, shame, and silence, leading individuals to feel judged, isolated, and unsupported.
“This negative narrative has perpetuated myths that individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts are weak or beyond help, discouraging many from seeking the necessary assistance. The fear of being labeled or misunderstood has fostered a culture of concealing mental health struggles, leaving those in crisis with limited avenues for help.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) country representative highlighted that globally, an estimated 700,000 individuals commit suicide annually, with about 77% occurring in low and middle-income countries. “For every suicide, there are approximately 20 other individuals attempting suicide, while many more contemplate taking their lives. Suicide stands as the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29, impacting families, communities, and the nation at large.”
Furthermore, the Country Director of the Clinton Health Access Initiative Nigeria (CHAI) underscored the established link between mental health disorders and suicide, with around 90% of suicide victims having experienced a mental health condition. Despite this, access to mental health care and suicide prevention services in Nigeria remains limited.
CHAI called for concerted efforts to initiate conversations that challenge prevailing norms and promote mental health awareness.
