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Africa facing high suicide rates among men
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Africa is experiencing alarming suicide rates, with an overall incidence of 11.5 per 100,000 people and a staggering 18 per 100,000 among men - the highest globally - according to Chido Rwafa, mental health focal person for the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa.
Rwafa made the remarks during the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) Mental Health Leadership Training Programme held in Harare earlier this week. She highlighted that suicide is only one of several pressing mental health challenges facing the continent. Common conditions include depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance use disorders, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
"The training is essential as it equips leaders to advocate for policy reform and system strengthening, ensuring that mental health policies are rights-based and relevant to current challenges in Africa," Rwafa said. She noted that many existing mental health policies, legislation, and strategies across African countries are outdated, reducing their effectiveness in addressing contemporary issues.
Rwafa emphasized the need for better access to medication and robust data systems to capture local mental health trends, enabling governments and organizations to identify and assist those in need. She urged emerging leaders to support regional strategies and frameworks endorsed by member states to ensure coordinated mental health responses.
Also speaking at the event, Michael Odeidi, principal technical officer for non-communicable diseases in the Division of Injuries and Mental Health at Africa CDC headquarters, said the programme was developed in response to Africa's growing mental health burden. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of mental health advocates and professionals to promote and implement effective interventions across the continent.
"The Mental Health Leadership Programme has been running since 2024. For Zimbabwe, this is the second cohort to participate. The programme is conducted in five universities across Africa's regions, with the University of Zimbabwe hosting the southern region," Odeidi said.
The training, scheduled over the next two weeks, brings together participants from 14 African countries, equipping them to address mental health challenges and advocate for improved policies, services, and awareness across the continent.
Rwafa made the remarks during the Africa Centre for Disease Control (Africa CDC) Mental Health Leadership Training Programme held in Harare earlier this week. She highlighted that suicide is only one of several pressing mental health challenges facing the continent. Common conditions include depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance use disorders, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
"The training is essential as it equips leaders to advocate for policy reform and system strengthening, ensuring that mental health policies are rights-based and relevant to current challenges in Africa," Rwafa said. She noted that many existing mental health policies, legislation, and strategies across African countries are outdated, reducing their effectiveness in addressing contemporary issues.
Rwafa emphasized the need for better access to medication and robust data systems to capture local mental health trends, enabling governments and organizations to identify and assist those in need. She urged emerging leaders to support regional strategies and frameworks endorsed by member states to ensure coordinated mental health responses.
Also speaking at the event, Michael Odeidi, principal technical officer for non-communicable diseases in the Division of Injuries and Mental Health at Africa CDC headquarters, said the programme was developed in response to Africa's growing mental health burden. The initiative aims to strengthen the capacity of mental health advocates and professionals to promote and implement effective interventions across the continent.
"The Mental Health Leadership Programme has been running since 2024. For Zimbabwe, this is the second cohort to participate. The programme is conducted in five universities across Africa's regions, with the University of Zimbabwe hosting the southern region," Odeidi said.
The training, scheduled over the next two weeks, brings together participants from 14 African countries, equipping them to address mental health challenges and advocate for improved policies, services, and awareness across the continent.
Source - newsday
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