Suicide and Suicide Prevention From a Global Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Global Health
• Mental Health Research

Background:

• Suicide is a critical global health issue, ranking as the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-29 worldwide.
• While high-income countries (HIC) report higher suicide rates, low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) experience the majority of global suicide deaths.
• Accurate suicide data collection remains a significant challenge in numerous countries, impacting effective prevention efforts.

Discussion:

• A global approach to suicide prevention is essential, supported by WHO initiatives like the Global Mental Health Action Plan and the report 'Preventing Suicide: A Global Imperative'.
• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target a one-third reduction in premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by 2030, with suicide mortality rate as a key indicator.
• This work compiles national suicide prevention strategies across all global regions, providing a comprehensive overview.

Key Insights:

• The compilation offers insights into diverse national strategies for suicide prevention.
• It underscores the disparity in suicide death distribution between HIC and LMIC.
• The review examines the evidence base and best practices for effective suicide prevention programs.

Outlook:

• Future efforts should focus on improving data accuracy and implementing evidence-based strategies globally.
• International collaboration is crucial for achieving SDG targets related to suicide reduction.
• Continued research and sharing of best practices will be vital for advancing global suicide prevention efforts.