Chijioke Iremeka A global community of mental health practitioners comprising over 10 mental health organisations, Nigerian Mental Health, has said that Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society Organisations and community groups play a crucial role in suicide prevention in Nigeria. The organisation’s founder, Dr Chime Asonye, made this statement on Saturday, during a virtual conference on suicide prevention titled ‘Community Mobilisation for Suicide Prevention in Nigeria,’ organised by the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group. Asonye expressed concern over the rising rates of suicide, suicidal ideation, and attempts in Nigeria, calling for stronger advocacy efforts to address the issue.
According to the World Health Organisation’s report of August 28, 2023, suicide is an act of deliberately taking one’s own life. The global health body declared that suicide is a serious public health problem, saying that suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. The WHO added that in 2019 suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally, stating that every year, 703,000 people take their own lives.
Speaking on the topic, “Mobilising CSOs/NGOs, International NGOs & Special Communities,” Asonye emphasised that suicide prevention required a multifaceted approach involving advocacy, awareness campaigns, support services, collaboration, research and data collection. He stressed the importance.