The Democratic Republic of Congo has marked a significant milestone in its fight against suicide, observing the first World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10. The event, themed "Suicide, a reality ignored in the Democratic Republic of Congo," aimed to raise awareness about the issue and promote collective responsibility in prevention efforts. According to Dr. Body Ilonga Bompoko, Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Health, suicide is a major public health concern that affects not only individuals but also families and communities.
Dr. Bompoko emphasized that suicide is not a fatality and can be prevented if signs of distress are identified and addressed promptly. He stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help without fear of judgment. The Ministry of Public Health is committed to ensuring that every Congolese citizen has access to quality healthcare services, including mental health services, without facing financial difficulties. This aligns with the country's goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The Ministry of Public Health plans to strengthen its efforts in preventing suicide by integrating mental health into primary healthcare, building the capacity of healthcare providers and community actors, and improving early detection and continuity of care. The ministry also aims to combat stigma through notification and surveillance. Dr. Bompoko called for a multisectoral approach to prevent suicide, involving not only the health sector but also education, social affairs, justice, and civil society.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that approximately 727,000 people died by suicide in 2021, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In the DRC, the situation is concerning, with an estimated 12.41 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019. According to the National Health Information System, there were 958 reported attempts of suicide and 54 deaths by suicide in the second quarter of 2024, representing a 123% increase from the previous quarter.
Dr. Gédéon Samba, Director of the National Mental Health Program, noted that preventing suicide is one of the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the DRC aims to achieve by 2030. He acknowledged that the country has faced delays but emphasized that it is still possible to catch up. The WHO representative, Etienne Mpoyi, highlighted the need for collective action to address the issue of suicide, which affects not only individuals but also families and communities.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Public Health, in partnership with the WHO, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the German Development Cooperation (KFW), and the German Embassy. The partners emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the complex causes of suicide, including mental health disorders, violence, conflict, displacement, poverty, and substance abuse.
The DRC's observation of World Suicide Prevention Day marks a crucial step towards addressing the issue of suicide, which has long been ignored in the country. The government and its partners have pledged to continue their efforts to raise awareness, promote prevention, and provide support to individuals and families affected by suicide. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to implement effective strategies to prevent suicide and promote mental health in the DRC.
Key points
- The DRC has observed its first World Suicide Prevention Day, highlighting the need for awareness and action to address the issue of suicide.
- The Ministry of Public Health plans to integrate mental health into primary healthcare and strengthen its efforts to prevent suicide.
- The WHO has reported that approximately 727,000 people died by suicide in 2021, with the majority of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.
