On March 28th and 29th, the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with key stakeholders including the Centre for Health Ethics, Law, and Development (CHELD), convened a two-day workshop aimed at developing a National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework for Nigeria. The workshop was attended by mental health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and advocates who came together to discuss the critical issue of suicide prevention and develop concrete strategies for addressing it.
Suicide is a significant public health concern in Nigeria, with recent data showing that the suicide rate has been increasing in the country.[1] Suicide not only impacts the individual but also has a profound impact on families, friends, and communities.[2] Suicide prevention requires a comprehensive approach that involves improving mental health services, addressing social and economic factors that contribute to suicide, and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.[3]
During the workshop, participants discussed key challenges and opportunities for suicide prevention in Nigeria, including improving access to mental health services, reducing stigma, addressing social and economic factors such as poverty and unemployment, and increasing awareness of the impact of suicide on families and communities.
The need for a multi-faceted approach to suicide prevention was emphasized, which involves a combination of education and awareness-raising campaigns, the provision of mental health support and resources, and collaboration with government agencies and NGOs to develop sustainable suicide prevention programs.
Participants also discussed the importance of developing effective suicide prevention policies that are evidence-based, culturally appropriate, and responsive to the needs of different populations. This requires the involvement of mental health professionals, researchers, and advocates in the policy-making process, as well as collaboration between different sectors such as health, education, and social services.
CHELD, as one of the key stakeholders in the workshop, expressed its commitment to supporting the development and implementation of the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework. This includes providing technical assistance, conducting research, and advocating for policies and programs that promote mental health and prevent suicide.
In conclusion, the workshop was an important opportunity for stakeholders in the mental health field to come together and develop a comprehensive suicide prevention plan that addresses the underlying causes of suicide in Nigeria. It is hoped that the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework will provide a roadmap for reducing the prevalence of suicide in the country and improving mental health outcomes for all Nigerians.
[1] Tosin Philip Oyetunji and others, ‘Suicide in Nigeria: Observations from the Content Analysis of Newspapers’ (2021) 34 General Psychiatry <https://gpsych.bmj.com/content/34/1/e100347> accessed 3 April 2023. See also, This Day, ‘Rising Suicide Cases in Nigeria: Causes and Solutions – THISDAYLIVE’ (www.thisdaylive.com) <https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/11/22/rising-suicide-cases-in-nigeria-causes-and-solutions/> accessed 3 April 2023.
[2] World Health Organization, ‘Suicide’ (Who.int17 June 2021) <https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide> accessed 3 April 2023.
[3] WHO, ‘National Suicide Prevention Strategies Progress, Examples, and Indicators’ <https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1174021/retrieve> accessed 3 April 2023.