Ministry of Health acting director general Patrick Amoth said World Health Organization (WHO) has established suicide as the leading cause of mortality among 15-19 year-olds.
Speaking on Tuesday during the launch of the suicide prevention strategy 2021-2026, Amoth said that suicide remains the fourth leading cause of death.
“Suicide, is preventable. We do not have to lose our youth to suicide, we do not have to lose the future of our country, the future of our economy,” Amoth said.
He said that globally, 700,000 persons are estimated to die by suicide every year with most of the deaths occurring in low and middle-income countries.
According to WHO for every completed suicide, there has been more than 20 attempts by others.
“In 2018 alone, the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reported 421 deaths by suicide in the country,” Amoth said.
Amoth said the suicide prevention strategy will establish and operationalise suicide prevention program at national and county levels.
It will also strengthen supportive policy, legal and financing frameworks for effective implementation of the suicide program.
The strategy seeks to improve access to comprehensive, integrated and quality services for suicide interventions at all levels of care.
He said the strategy will increase awareness on suicide and suicide prevention.
Amoth added that the strategy will address stigma while strengthening systems for surveillance and research.
“As a country, and as a ministry, achieving the aforementioned strategic actions will mean that Kenya meets the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators for health, target 3.4.2 which, aims to reduce premature mortality from Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) by one third by the year 2030,” Amoth said.
MOH is targeting to achieve a 10% reduction in suicide mortality by 2026 in the country.
Amoth advised youths to come together and help each other cope during times of uncertainty.
“Let us walk with them to the healthcare facilities and encourage them to get the much-needed mental health and psychosocial support,” Amoth said.
