By Princess-Ekwi Ajide, Abuja
World Health Organization, WHO, has estimated that over 700,000 people commit suicide annually globally with 77% of them occurring in low and middle income countries.
WHO Country Representative, Dr Walter Mulombo, who gave the estimate recently in Abuja, said suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29 year olds.
According to him, suicide will continue to remain a serious public health concern with a profound impact on all because for every suicide, there are likely 20 other people attempting suicide and many more have serious thoughts of suicide.
He called on the citizenry to partner the Federal government in its commitment towards preventing suicide in the country, saying that with team work, suicide is preventable.
Dr. Mulombo, stated that every case of suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire country and it has long-lasting effects on the people left behind but can be prevented with timely, evidence-based and often low cost interventions
He, however, reminded that there is need for national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multi-sectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed to create hope through action which will serve as a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide.
