While the world makes progress in reducing suicide deaths, America is facing an alarming situation. Since the year 2000, the number of suicides has increased by 17%, making it the only region where this trend shows no signs of improvement. In 2021, around 100,000 deaths were recorded, a figure that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) describes as “a profound tragedy.” This crisis has led PAHO to launch a new initiative on September 11, aimed at addressing the issue comprehensively.
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, director of PAHO, has highlighted the severity of the phenomenon: “Every suicide affects individuals, families, and communities. This initiative aims to transform leadership, governance, and actions to reduce these losses.” Behind these figures lie painful realities; North America leads in the increase of suicides, while the Southern Cone and the Caribbean also show significant increases and the highest rates in the region, respectively.
According to PAHO data, 20% of the countries with the highest suicide mortality, meaning those that exceed 10 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, include Guyana, Suriname, Uruguay, the United States, Haiti, Canada, and Cuba. These numbers provide a snapshot of a silent crisis predominantly affecting individuals over 50 years old, with 71% of suicides occurring in men and 65% in women. Although rates are higher in men, the increase has surged among women, who have experienced a 23% rise in suicides since 2000, compared to 14.4% in men.
Renato Oliveira e Souza, head of Mental Health at PAHO, explains the causes behind this alarming situation. While in men, suicide is often linked to alcohol and drug abuse, unemployment, and contexts of high crime, in women, educational inequality and unemployment are the most determining factors. Oliveira e Souza warns that “this crisis demands actions beyond the health system.”
PAHO’s new initiative is structured around three fronts of battle. First, it proposes the creation of tailored national plans that consider specific strategies for at-risk populations. Second, it aims to improve access to mental health services by training healthcare workers and engaging communities. Lastly, it seeks to fight the stigma surrounding suicide through collaboration with the media to ensure responsible coverage.
Additionally, on September 18, PAHO and the University of Toronto will organize a webinar titled “Building Responsible Communication for Suicide Prevention,” focused on the importance of media narratives and the implementation of campaigns that reduce the stigma associated with this issue.
The message that emerges from this serious situation is clear: the solution requires a joint effort that extends beyond the health sector, involving society as a whole in the creation and execution of effective national strategies. As suicide rates continue to rise in America, it is essential to deploy a multisectoral and community response to reverse this profound tragedy.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish
