Nairobi: Mental health advocates have called for urgent investment in school-based and youth-centered suicide prevention measures to address the growing burden of mental health challenges among young people in Kenya and across Africa.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Principal Clinical Research Scientist, Dr. Linet Ongeri, highlighted that suicide is now the third leading cause of death worldwide, with Africa recording the highest burden. Dr. Ongeri noted that the African region records 11.5 suicide deaths per 100,000 people annually, and in Kenya, the rate is 8.9, with men being disproportionately affected at 14.2 compared to 4.6 for females.
Speaking in Nairobi during the Aga Khan University's Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) Youth Suicide Prevention Forum, Dr. Ongeri explained that young people aged 15 to 29 years are the most affected, especially in low and middle-income countries. She emphasized that suicide is preventable if at-risk individuals are identified and effective interventions are implemented.
Dr. Ongeri pointed out that pesticide poisoning and hanging are the leading methods of suicide in Africa, underscoring the need for regulation and safe storage of pesticides. She advocated for school-based programs, psychotherapies for high-risk youth, emergency safety planning, and digital tools such as crisis text lines as effective interventions.
Highlighting the critical role of educational institutions, Dr. Ongeri stated, "Schools are a critical entry point. Teachers must be trained to support learners, while referral linkages should ensure those at risk are connected to care." She stressed that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, involving restricting access to lethal means, scaling up school programs, and investing in culturally relevant interventions.
Dr. Ongeri called on governments and communities to fund and co-create youth-focused interventions, warning against an over-reliance on donor-driven programs that weaken cultural relevance. She stated that suicide prevention must be locally funded, community-owned, and co-created with youth.
Ms. Nadra Aley, founder of Safe Haven Wellness, emphasized the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and community understanding, advocating for research findings to be simplified for communities and policymakers to effectively implement interventions.
Ms. Amisa Rashid, founder of Nivishe Foundation, noted that language and cultural barriers continue to hinder suicide prevention efforts. She warned that digital platforms, while useful, must be safeguarded to protect young people.
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) student and mental health advocate, Faith Mugo, shared her personal experience with depression during high school, calling for schools to integrate mental health education and provide professional counseling and peer support systems.
The Forum underscored the role of faith and community leaders in fighting stigma, emphasizing that religious beliefs often prevent families from disclosing suicide deaths. The Mental Health Advocates resolved that suicide prevention requires a multi-sectoral approach involving health, education, agriculture, faith groups, civil society, and the media.