The World Health Organization says Africa has the highest rate of people dying by suicide in the world.
In a statement , the agency said Africa is home to six of the 10 countries with the highest suicide rates globally.
The continent is said to have one psychiatrist for every 500,000 inhabitants - 100 times less than the WHO recommendation.
Around 11 people per 100,000 per year die by suicide in the African region, higher than the global average of nine per 100,000 people, the WHO says.
Mental health problems account for up to 11% of the risk factors associated with suicide, it continued.
The agency added that mental health workers are mostly located in urban areas on the continent.
The WHO Regional Director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, said suicide was a major public health problem, although prevention is rarely a priority in national health programs.
The organisation has now launched a social media suicide prevention campaign in the continent to raise awareness and encourage action.
The social media campaign was launched ahead of World Mental Health Day marked on 10 October.
The WHO aims to reach 10 million people across the continent.
Latest Stories
-
Implementing ESG framework in Ghana’s energy sector for sustainability
28 mins -
CAFCC: Dreams FC exit competition after 3-0 defeat in Kumasi
28 mins -
The detrimental effects of political interference on Ghana’s electricity sustainability
31 mins -
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s appointment as running mate intimidates the NPP – Benjamin Quashie
37 mins -
Black Stars physical trainer dead
39 mins -
Bawumia to kick off nationwide campaign for Election 2024 tomorrow
41 mins -
GUTA charges ECG to provide ‘dumsor’ timetable for businesses to plan
42 mins -
Reason for training professional counsellors is to heal a hurting world – CCP president
3 hours -
Woman allegedly brings dead man to bank to take out a loan
3 hours -
It’s a good feeling to score against PSG because I’m a Marseille boy – Andre Ayew
3 hours -
Joe Lartey Sr: A voice that brought life to Ghana sports and beyond
4 hours -
Bawumia promises to tackle issue most dear to Ghanaians as he begins nationwide campaign
5 hours -
Indian couple donate $24m fortune to charity to adopt monkhood
5 hours -
Australians call for tougher laws on violence against women after killings
6 hours -
African Development Council establishes mission in Benin for Francophone countries
6 hours