Make suicide prevention in Africa a priority, the UN health agency urges governments
“Every death by suicide is a tragedy,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, who maintains that suicide prevention is “not a priority” in national health systems.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, he called for “significant investment… to address Africa’s growing burden of chronic diseases and non-communicable conditions – such as mental disorders – that can contribute to suicide self”.
Mental health problems are twofold
According to the WHO, mental health problems are involved 116 million people in the African region, up from 53 million in 1990.
The continent also has it six of the top 10 countries for suicide in the worldwhile the organization also noted that for every suicide in Africa, there are almost twenty suicide attempts.
Budget limitations
Despite the urgency of the problem, African governments are divided less than 50 US cents per person to treat mental health problems, says WHO. This is five times more than in 2017, but still there well below the recommended $2 per person for low-income countries.
In addition, mental health care is generally not included in national health insurance systems, WHO said, noting that in Africa, there is only one psychiatrist for every 500,000 inhabitants.
This is 100 times below the WHO recommendation. In addition, mental health workers work mostly in urban areas, often leaving rural areas without any support.
“Mental health is essential to health and good health however Too many people in our community who need help for mental health conditions don’t get it. It is time for a radical changeDr. Moeti said. “Ongoing efforts by countries should be strengthened and expanded to make mental health a public health priority in the African region.”
Help at hand
The WHO already support countries in their efforts to advance mental health services in Africa.
This includes helping primary health workers in Zimbabwe, who are trained to increase quality and access to mental health services.
In Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe, a study of investment needs for mental health services has been completed and advocacy is now underway to secure the required resources.
WHO also supported Cabo Verde and Cote d’Ivoire with an analysis of the country’s suicide situation, as a first step towards planning effective response measures.
In August 2022, African health ministers agreed on a new strategy to strengthen mental health care at a WHO regional conference. The 2030 goals they decided on call for all countries on the continent to have a policy or law on mental health; for 60 per cent of countries to implement the policy, for 95 per cent of countries to monitor and report on mental health indicators, and for 80 per cent of countries to budget for health services mental health.
