Development and Implementation of National Real-Time Surveillance System for Suicide Attempts in Uruguay

Suicide is a major global public health concern and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Previous suicide attempts are one of the strongest predictors of future suicide risk, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies. Central to these strategies is the establishment of robust surveillance systems that deliver accurate and timely data at both national and local levels. This article describes the development, implementation, and progress of Uruguay's national real-time surveillance system for suicide attempts, which comprehensively covers all emergency departments across the country. The Ministry of Public Health conducts continuous monitoring of suicide attempt cases using a real-time surveillance system. This article also explores the implications of this system for suicide prevention at various levels and discusses future challenges and opportunities for optimizing its use to enhance public health interventions.