Posted by Prof. Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made this statement on Monday:
“Strengthening economic support; improving access to qualitative and affordable mental health services; creating a protective environment by reducing access to lethal means among people at risk of suicide: these are evidence-based strategies proven to prevent suicide.”
Pate added that reducing isolation through peer norm programs and community involvement, increasing people’s ability to deal with stressful situations, reducing the likelihood of suicide, and minimizing its consequences, as well as collecting data on suicidal behaviors for use in planning and intervention, were all important.
During a news conference held in Abuja on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day 2023, with the subject “Creating hope through action,” Pate made these remarks.
The World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is celebrated annually on September 10 to bring attention to the fact that suicide can be avoided.