Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate said Nigeria would soon join comity of nations that have decriminalised attempted suicide.
Professor Pate, who disclosed this during an event to commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day in Abuja on Thursday, added that the ministry is also working closely with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to address the section of the law that criminalises attempted suicide, to improve the mental health and well-being of Nigerians.
The minister announced that the ministry has taken significant steps to support and address mental health needs of all citizens, stressing that the steps are not only for treatment, but for prevention and promotion of mental well being among Nigerians.
He stated that the ministry has launched a National Suicide Strategic Framework 2023-2030, document, which according to him, clearly identifies the risk and protective factors associated with suicide prevention in the country, adding that the document also identified the strategic objectives, interventions and indicators for suicide prevention in Nigeria, in line with the International best practice.
Professor Pate acknowledged the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones to suicide, even as he described suicide prevention crusade as a collective responsibility, adding that together Nigerians must be committed to creating a society that values mental health, promotes well-being, and provides care for all.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Daju Kachollom, the minister lamented the rate of suicides in Africa, which he noted is 11.2 per 100,000 people, higher than the global average of 9.0 per 100,000 people.
In a statement by the assistant director (information and public relations) in the ministry, Ado Bako, the minister noted the available data suicide rate in Nigeria which is at 12.9 per 100,000, adding that in changing the narrative on suicide, there must be shift from focusing solely on the tragedy of suicide to the hope of prevention.
He noted that suicide rates are mostly high among young people between the age 15-29 years, adding that it is the fourth leading cause of death among the youth.
The minister explained that the theme of this year’s event: ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’, is aimed at raising awareness on the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
Earlier in a welcome address, the permanent secretary, represented by the director of public health in ministry, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, had described every life lost to suicide as a tragic reminder of the collective duty to do more, in order to change the narrative around this preventable tragedy.
The permanent secretary stated that the ministry would continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework, which provides a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in the country.
