September 11, 2025

More than 720,000 people commit suicide every year and many more attempt it, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The Director-General of WHO Tedros Ghebreyesus is calling for “shifting the narrative” on the issue “to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster compassionate conversations.”

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, which is marked annually on September 10, Tedros said “each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities.”

All age groups are affected by suicide and it was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021, the last year for which data has been gathered by WHO.

Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries and impacts all regions of the world.

Close to three-quarters of global suicides occurred in low and middle-income countries in 2021.

The average number of suicides across the world in 2021 was 8.9 per 100,000 people.

In Africa, the figure stood at 11.5, while in both Europe and Southeast Asia the number of suicides was recorded at 10.1 per 100,000 people.

The link between suicide and mental disorders, in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders, and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries.

However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss, and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.

Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons, and incarcerated prisoners.

“We must move from silence to openness, from stigma to empathy, and from neglect to support,” Tedros said.

“We must create environments where people feel safe to speak up and seek help,” he stressed.

“Shifting the narrative on suicide also means driving systemic change, where governments prioritise and invest in quality mental health care and policies to ensure everyone gets the support they need.”

According to the 2024 Mental Health Atlas report by WHO, median government spending on mental health has remained at a modest two percent of total health budgets since 2017.

Moreover, there is a significant disparity between high-income and low-income nations.

Whilst high-income nations allocate up to $65 per person to mental health, low-income nations spend as little as $0.04.

WHO recognises mental health as a universal human right.

WHO says that there are effective measures that can be taken to prevent suicide and self-harm.

LIVE LIFE, the agency’s initiative for suicide prevention, recommends limiting access to the means of suicide (eg, pesticides, firearms, certain medications).

It also recommended interaction with the media for responsible reporting of suicide;

Fostering socio-emotional life skills in adolescents, early identification, assessment, management, and following up with anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours are other effective measures, according to WHO. GMTNewsng

Enugu, Nigeria – A tragic incident has rocked the quiet Unity Estate in Trans-Ekulu, Enugu State, following reports that a mother of three, identified as Chidimma Arinze, allegedly stabbed two of her children to death in what is being described as a suspected mental health crisis. The horrific event, which occurred early this week, has sent shockwaves through the local community and reignited national conversations about the urgent need to prioritize mental health care in Nigeria.

According to multiple sources, including The Graphic and Kanyi Daily, neighbors discovered the lifeless bodies of the children – a four-year-old girl and a three-month-old baby boy – inside their apartment after becoming concerned about unusual silence from the home. The third child, a boy, reportedly survived the ordeal. The mother was arrested at the scene and is currently in police custody as investigations continue.

“This is one of the most disturbing cases we have seen in recent times,” a police officer involved in the case was quoted as saying. While the motive has not been officially confirmed, many are pointing to the possibility of an untreated or undiagnosed postpartum mental health condition. Residents and online commentators have expressed both heartbreak and alarm, with many calling for a more compassionate yet urgent approach to mental health awareness and support.

“This is a deeply human tragedy,” said Dr. Adaora Onwuegbuchi, a clinical psychologist based in Enugu. “It speaks to how far behind we are in integrating mental health services into our public health system. Mothers, especially new ones, are often under intense emotional, financial, and hormonal pressure. Without proper psychological support, some slip into depression or worse – psychosis – without anyone noticing.”

Mental health remains a taboo subject in many Nigerian communities, often buried under cultural myths or interpreted through spiritual lenses. Cases like this reinforce the need for systemic interventions – from counseling services in hospitals to awareness campaigns at the grassroots level. Unfortunately, many women suffer in silence, fearing stigma or spiritual labeling, even when they’re clearly overwhelmed or exhibiting signs of psychological distress.

Experts are now urging state and federal governments to act decisively. “We cannot continue to treat mental health as a luxury,” said Mr. Chijioke Ibekwe, a social policy analyst in Abuja. “Every Primary Health Centre should have a licensed counselor, and maternal health programs must integrate mental health screening as routine. What happened in Enugu could happen anywhere if we don’t act now.”

As the community mourns the loss of two innocent lives, the Enugu incident serves as a painful reminder that mental health is not just a personal issue – it is a public health concern. The stigma must end, and society must learn to listen, empathize, and intervene before tragedies occur. Behind every incident like this is a human story – one that could often be rewritten with care, compassion, and timely support. GMTNewsng

Nigeria is grappling with a severe outbreak of meningitis that has so far claimed at least 150 lives across multiple states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the alarming figures, with outbreaks reported primarily in the northern regions of the country. The health agency noted that nearly 2,000 suspected cases have been recorded since the beginning of the year.

Speaking on Wednesday, NCDC Director General Dr. Jide Idris said the agency is working closely with state governments, international partners, and other stakeholders to mount a coordinated response. “We are deploying rapid response teams, facilitating vaccination campaigns, and ensuring case management across the affected states,” Idris said. “Our goal is to minimize further loss of life and contain the spread.”

Meningitis, a potentially fatal inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, is transmitted through close contact, coughing, or sneezing. The most affected states include Yobe, Bauchi, and Jigawa. Health officials say overcrowded living conditions, poor hygiene, and inadequate vaccination coverage are compounding the crisis.

International partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), have stepped in to assist Nigeria’s response efforts. WHO’s Nigeria representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, stated, “The WHO has provided technical assistance, surveillance support, and over 1.5 million vaccine doses to help curb the outbreak. Time is of the essence.”

Local health workers, however, say they face major logistical challenges in reaching rural communities. A community health nurse in Bauchi, Maryam Ibrahim, said, “Some villages are extremely remote and lack the infrastructure needed for effective outreach. We are stretched thin, but we are committed to saving lives.”

The federal government is calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and adhere to basic hygiene protocols. Parents are also urged to ensure their children receive meningitis vaccinations. “This outbreak is a wake-up call,” said Dr. Idris. “We must strengthen our surveillance and immunization strategies nationwide.” GMTNewsng