The government of Nigeria has announced steps to address the mental health needs of all Nigerians and ensuring that not only focus would be laid on treatment but, preventative measures.
The Nigerian Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare said suicide prevention advocacy should be seen as a collective responsibility. “Together, we must be committed to creating a society that values mental health, promotes well-being, and provides care for all”, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate said on Thursday at the commemoration of 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom S.mni, the Minister said available data on suicide rate in Nigeria is estimated at 12.9 per 100,000. He said in changing the narrative, there must be shift from focusing solely on the tragedy of suicide to the hope of prevention.
Nigeria had earlier launched a National Suicide Strategic Framework 2023-2030, which clearly seek to identify the risk and protective measures for suicide prevention in the country.
The Minister said the Health and Social Welfare Ministry is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and partners, to address section of the law that criminalized attempted suicide and improve the mental well-being of Nigerians. He assured that Nigeria would soon be among the comity of nations to decriminalize attempted suicide.
Suicide rates are mostly identified with young persons aged between 15 and 29 years in Nigeria. It is the fourth leading cause of death amongst others in the country.
The theme of this year’s event, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent the menace.
Daju Kachollom in her own remarks said the Ministry will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework which provides a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in the country.
Amongst attendees at the function include representatives of ministries, departments and agencies, as well as development partners, such as the World Health Organization, and Clinton Health Access Iniative (CHAI).