A Global Crisis: How the World is Failing to Prevent Suicide

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 720,000 people die by suicide each year. In 2021, suicide became the leading cause of death among individuals aged 15 to 29 globally, highlighting a pressing public health crisis.

Despite its severity, the prevention of suicide has not received the attention it deserves. This oversight stems from a lack of awareness about suicide as a major public health issue and the pervasive taboo that surrounds discussions of mental health in many societies.

To date, only a handful of countries have prioritized suicide prevention in their health policies, with merely 38 countries reporting a national suicide prevention strategy.

However, some nations are making strides in this area. Countries like Nepal and Thailand have intensified their efforts to combat suicide, recognizing the urgent need for action.

In Kenya, for instance, Mathare MP Anthony Oluoch has proposed an amendment to decriminalize suicide. This legislative change aims to reframe attempted suicide as a serious mental health issue, rather than a criminal offense, thereby encouraging individuals to seek help.

The Kenyan Parliament emphasizes that reducing the global suicide rate by one third by 2030 aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the WHO's global Mental Health Action Plan. However, the WHO has pointed out a significant barrier to achieving this goal: suicide and suicide attempts remain illegal in at least 23 countries.

Decriminalizing suicide and suicide attempts represent a crucial step that governments can take to enhance their suicide prevention strategies. Criminalizing these acts does not deter individuals from acting on suicidal thoughts; instead, it prevents them from reaching out for help during moments of acute crisis.