In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, the Government of Guyana, led by Minister of Health Dr. Frank Anthony, is joining the international community to highlight the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with a call to action: “Start the Conversation.”
Dr. Anthony emphasized that changing the narrative involves a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. “We must understand that suicide is preventable and that breaking the stigma is possible through openness, understanding, and support,” he said.
Recent statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) underscore the urgency of addressing this issue. In 2021, there were 100,933 suicide deaths in the Americas, with a significant 79.4% occurring among males in 2019. Notably, suicides among women have increased more sharply compared to their male counterparts between 2000 and 2019. The majority of suicides in the region are committed by middle-aged adults (ages 40–69), who represent 38% of cases, followed by older adults (70+ years) at 32.8%.
In response to these challenges, Guyana has made significant strides in suicide prevention. In November 2022, the Suicide Prevention Act was enacted, decriminalizing suicide and marking a major step towards enhancing mental health care. This legislation also established the National Suicide Prevention Commission, tasked with designing and implementing public health programs aimed at reducing suicide rates.
Building on this progress, the Ministry of Health launched the National Mental Health Action Plan & Suicide Prevention Plan 2024 – 2030 in April 2024. This plan adopts a human rights-based approach to mental health and suicide prevention, improving patient care and promoting safe practices. The Ministry is also collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture to enhance the safe storage of pesticides and phase out hazardous chemicals, in an effort to reduce suicide risks associated with pesticide ingestion.
Further efforts include the Gatekeepers Training for Suicide Prevention Programme, completed in April–May 2024. This initiative, supported by the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC), trained community figures across all 10 regions of Guyana. These trained “Gatekeepers” now possess essential skills to intervene in suicidal situations and refer individuals to specialized mental health services as needed.
On World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ministry of Health will collaborate with the Mental Health Unit and the Ministry of Education to host suicide awareness activities in Regions 3 and 4. Additionally, a Suicide Prevention Awareness and Training session will be conducted in Region 6 for primary health care workers, school teachers, guidance counselors, and civil and religious leaders.
Dr. Anthony concluded, “Our approach to suicide prevention is holistic and inclusive, involving both government and society. With your support, we can create a healthier and more resilient Guyana.”
For more information, please contact the Ministry of Health at 592-226-7458 or via email at mohprhpu@gmail.com.
The post Guyana commemorates World Suicide Prevention Day with emphasis on ‘Changing the Narrative’ appeared first on News Room Guyana.
