Strategies for suicide prevention highlighted during World Suicide Prevention Day observance

Kathmandu, Bagmati Province – The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), with support from WHO Nepal, observed World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme "Change the Narrative." Over 70 stakeholders, including dignitaries from MoHP, Nepal Police, UN agencies and media attended the event. Informative presentations from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Mental Hospital, and Nepal Police revealed that more than 7200 lives were tragically lost to suicide in the country, where the rate stands in stark contrast to global trends and the targets set forth by the Sustainable Development Goals and WHO’s Global Mental Health Action Plan. The event covered the Program Policy and Legal Framework on Suicide and the implementation of the WHO’s LIVE LIFE prevention interventions. Participants, including the WHO Representative to Nepal, shared lived experiences and personal reflections on the emotional toll of suicide, highlighting its profound impact on individuals, families and communities. These reflections underscored the urgent need to address suicide as a critical public health issue. WHO reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners to strengthen public health systems and address mental health needs effectively.