Suicide prevention in Suriname: strengthening multisectoral collaboration

For Dr Fauzia Poese, a physician at the Academic Hospital in Paramaribo, treating people who present to hospital for self-harm is deeply distressing. She has noticed young people are increasingly presenting to hospital for self-harm.

'Too often we see people who have ingested a very toxic pesticide in an acute moment of distress, asking, "Doctor, will I survive?" Unfortunately, due to the toxicity of the pesticide there's often nothing we can do'.

A growing concern: suicide and young people

The region of the Americas is the only WHO region where suicide rates are increasing. This trend is also reflected in Suriname, which has the second highest suicide rate in the region. Young people are especially vulnerable, with rates of suicide increasing among males in their 20s and presentations of self-harm highly prevalent among young females.

The reasons for suicide are multi-factorial and often a combination of multiple stressors co-occurring, this may include, for example, a relationship breakdown, financial stress, physical and emotional abuse, misuse of alcohol, psychological distress, and easy access to lethal methods. In Suriname, two-thirds of all suicides are attributable to pesticide self-poisoning.

Multisectoral action: a collaborative approach to suicide prevention

Recognizing that collaboration across sectors is vital to strengthening suicide prevention efforts the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), together with the Ministry of Health Suriname, convened a workshop on "Strengthening suicide prevention in Suriname" in Paramaribo in May 2024.

The workshop brought together over 60 participants from a range of sectors including health, agriculture, education, social services, home affairs, police, religious groups, youth associations, UNICEF, and the media. The primary goal was to present a situational analysis on suicide in Suriname and develop actionable strategies to implement WHO LIVE LIFE evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention in Suriname, which include limiting access to the means of suicide, interacting with media for responsible reporting of suicide, fostering life-skills among young people, and early identification and follow-up for people affected by suicide.

During the workshop, preliminary findings from the situational analysis were presented, highlighting priority populations and opportunities for intervention. Participants engaged in collaborative discussions on current practices, challenges and gaps in the delivery of LIVE LIFE interventions and other services. Opportunities were provided for various sectors to present such as the Ministry of Agriculture, who reported on recent regulatory activity on the highly hazardous pesticides. Participants also engaged in discussions to produce key immediate and long-term actions to enhance the implementation of effective suicide prevention interventions. The commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders signifies renewed momentum and focus on suicide prevention in Suriname.

The way forward: key actions to strengthen suicide prevention

Key recommendations from the workshop's final report, due to be published shortly, are already in the process of implementation. Notably, national coordinated action is underway and a multi-sectoral suicide prevention taskforce for implementation and surveillance of suicide and self-harm is being established. In addition, the Pesticide Registrar (Ministry of Agriculture) agreed to present the findings of the situational analysis to the Pesticide Control Board in Suriname for inclusion in the draft Pesticide Act on accessibility and sanctions on highly hazardous pesticides. To strengthen the capacity for early identification, management and follow-up, services have been established for psychosocial care targeting young people. Moreover, work is on-going for reestablishment of the national suicide prevention helpline, with plans to expand to priority districts.

Despite the challenges, Dr Rakesh Gajadhar Sukul, Director of Public Health Suriname, is determined. "We need to strengthen suicide prevention now, because no one deserves to feel abandoned and without hope. All people should get the chance to feel inspired to stay alive. And we can help them with this, we should help them with this, by making sure they have the tools to help themselves, and also know where to find help if that's not enough."

Images for consideration:

Strengthening suicide prevention in Suriname stakeholder workshop, 22 May 2024. @ WHO Suriname

PAHO Representative in Suriname, Mr Yafflo W. Ouattara introduces participants to the "Strengthening suicide prevention in Suriname" stakeholder workshop. @ WHO Suriname

Public link

Please use the above public link if you want to share this noodl on another website.