WHO raises alarm as 720,000 people die by suicide annually

 

By Agency Report

 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, with millions more attempting it, stressing the urgent need for global action to address the crisis.

 

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10, the WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, urged governments and communities to “shift the narrative” around suicide by challenging harmful myths, reducing stigma, and fostering compassionate dialogue.

 

“Each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities,” he said.

 

According to WHO, suicide affects all age groups and remains the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29 worldwide. In 2021, the global suicide rate was 8.9 per 100,000 people. Africa recorded the highest regional rate at 11.5, while Europe and Southeast Asia reported 10.1 per 100,000.

 

The organisation noted that nearly three-quarters of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries. Although the link between suicide, depression, alcohol use disorders, and previous attempts is well established in high-income nations, WHO observed that many suicides occur impulsively during crises such as financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, or chronic illness.

 

Vulnerable groups, including refugees, migrants, indigenous peoples, sexual minorities, and prisoners, face a heightened risk.

 

Tedros stressed the importance of moving “from silence to openness, from stigma to empathy, and from neglect to support,” calling for systemic change where mental health care is prioritised and adequately funded.

 

Despite the growing burden, government spending on mental health remains low. WHO’s 2024 Mental Health Atlas shows that median public expenditure on mental health has stagnated at just two per cent of national health budgets since 2017. High-income countries spend up to $65 per person, while low-income nations allocate as little as $0.04.

 

The agency described mental health as a universal human right and outlined effective measures to prevent suicide. These include restricting access to means of suicide such as pesticides, firearms, and certain medications; ensuring responsible media reporting; promoting socio-emotional skills in adolescents; and strengthening early detection, treatment, and follow-up care for at-risk individuals.

 

WHO’s global initiative for suicide prevention, “LIVE LIFE”, aims to provide practical strategies for countries to reduce suicide and self-harm while creating environments where people feel safe to seek help.