By: Felix Ikpotor
Following the increasing cases of suicide worldwide, the Rivers State Government has called for an end to all forms of stigmatisation against mental health.
Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Adaeze Oreh made the call in a broadcast to commemorate the World Suicide Prevention Day 2024.
She said suicide accounts to over 800,000 deaths worldwide and as such should be prevented.
“Today being 10th of September 2024, we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, poignant reminder of the devastating impact of suicide on the families, individuals and communities.
“Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide claiming over 800, 000 lives annually.
“In our state, we have lost precious lives to suicide. People leaving this world, leaving behind loved ones and shattered dreams. Each suicide has far reaching social, emotional and economic consequences and deeply affects individuals and communities,” she stated.
Commenting on the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for the years 2024-2026 which is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide, The Call to Action: Start the Conversation,” Oreh explained that the “theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversation to prevent suicide”.
She explained further that, “Changing the narrative on suicide is about transforming how we perceive this complex issue and shifting from a culture of silence and stigma to one of openness, understanding and support,” while the call to action encourages everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.
She added: “Every conversation, no matter how small contributes to a supportive and understanding society.
“By initiating this vital conversations, we can breakdown barriers,raise awareness and create better cultures of support”.
The state health commissioner also stated that the theme emphasises the need to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health in policy making, calling for government action.
Oreh, said changing the narratives requires advocating for policies that prioritize mental health, increase access to care and provide support for those in need.
She also stated that the state government is fully committed to addressing issues of mental health in the state.
“The Rivers State Government under the leadership of Sir Siminalayi Fubara is deeply committed to addressing this critical public health issue. This commitment and dedication are the underlined principles behind the administration’s investment in addressing mental health issues from the ongoing projects to upgrade the state’s neuro-psychiatric hospital, the construction of a state drug rehabilitation centre and the recent introduction of mental healthcare services at the primary level of healthcare delivery, establishing mental healthcare support hotlines and trainning healthcare professionals in suicide prevention and collaborating with communities organisations to promote mental health awareness,” she said.
The Rivers health commissioner added: “As a people, we must collectively work together to prevent suicide by reducing the stigma around mental health, increasing access to mental health services, promoting emotional wellbeing in our families, communities, families and work places, supporting vulnerable populations and encouraging open conversations about mental health.
“I therefore urge everyone to listen without judgement, offer support and resources, encourage health-seeking behaviour and together we can create a society that not only values mental health, but promotes hope and prevents suicide”.
