Sodiq Ojuroungbe The founder of the Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative, Ameh Zion has called for unified action to address Nigeria’s escalating suicide rate. Speaking at a virtual workshop on community mobilisation for suicide prevention in Nigeria organised by the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, the suicide prevention advocate emphasised that a coordinated effort among policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the community is crucial to effectively tackle this urgent public health issue. Zion, a key figure in the advocacy for mental health reform, highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent suicide and improve mental health support.
According to the World Health Organisation, suicide ranks as the fourth leading cause of death globally among individuals aged 15-29. Annually, over 703,000 people worldwide take their own lives, with common methods including the ingestion of pesticides, hanging, and firearms. He asserted that only through collaborative efforts can the country hope to make significant progress in reducing these troubling figures.
Zion said there was a need to provide compelling data and research to policymakers to demonstrate the severity of the problem and the effectiveness of various prevention strategies. According to him, providing clear and convincing evidence is essential for driving policy changes and securing the necessary support. He pointed out the need for ongoing engagement with policymakers, advocating for regular briefings, tailored updates, and continuous communication to ensure that those in positions of power remain informed and committed to suicide prevention efforts.
He stated, “Nigeria must unite to combat rising suicide rates. Presenting data and research is very critical. We need to provide policymakers with comprehensive and compelling evidence on the impact of suicide and the effectiveness of prevention strategies.
“Mandate Health has been interfacing with the National Assembly since the 8th National Assembly until this current 10th National Assembly. We’ve had a lot of engagement and initiated legislative mental health roundtables.” Zion emphasised the economic benefits of investing in suicide prevention, arguing that economic data can be a persuasive factor in gaining policy support.
“We need to emphasise the economic advantages of investing in mental health prevention. One of the key aspects is the cost-benefit analysis showing how investing in suicide prevention can reduce long-term healthcare costs and increase productivity,” he stressed. He also called attention to the role of the judiciary in shaping mental health policies.
He proposed specialised training for legal professionals to enhance their understanding of mental health issues and their impact on legal decisions. He maintained that engaging the judiciary through workshops and seminars could help refine laws and policies to better support suicide prevention. “The judiciary is very critical in helping us drive home suicide prevention.
We need to focus on how legal frameworks and ethical considerations can influence mental health outcomes. “We need to raise awareness through targeted advocacy campaigns. Beyond gatherings and webinars, we need to come together for tailored presentations and media engagement,” he noted.
In emphasising relationship building, Zion stated, “Developing strong relationships with key policymakers and influencers is crucial. Personal connections, such as personalised letters and regular follow-ups, will help us mobilise these stakeholders effectively. “We are marking our ninth anniversary, and for all of our 400 volunteers across 13 states, we are using tools like Kobo Collect to gather data.
This will strengthen our drive for suicide prevention and the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria. “We need to come together and address this issue urgently. The rising suicide rates in Nigeria are a serious concern, and only through a united and coordinated effort can we hope to make a significant impact.
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