World Suicide Prevention Day 2023
7 September 2023, Cairo — World Suicide Prevention Day is being marked globally today, under the theme “Creating hope through action”.
Suicide is a major public health problem with far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences. It is the fourth leading cause of death among people between 15 and 29 years old.
Estimates show that more than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year globally. Moreover, for every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide.
According to the global report “Suicide Worldwide in 2019: Global Health Estimates”, more than 77% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries, including in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. In 2019, an estimated 41 673 people died by suicide in the Region.
Studies demonstrate that hanging, pesticide poisoning, self-immolation, firearms, drowning and drug overdose are among the most common methods of suicide in countries of the Region.
“Suicide is a tragic act that demonstrates despair, and its prevention requires further care and attention to the issue, including within communities and among family members, caregivers and others. Timely, effective action by all stakeholders – governments, civil society, communities, families and individuals – can create hope and reduce suicidal behaviour,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.
“Creating hope through action” has been the theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for the last 3 years. It serves as a powerful call to action and a reminder that through our actions, we can encourage hope and reduce the number of