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
-
BOAD reaffirms commitment to energy transition and sustainable agriculture in West Africa
26 minutes -
10 kinds of women who have denied men the joy of fatherhood
1 hour -
A father’s hurdles caring for son with Sickle Cell disease – John Dzido shares a fraction
1 hour -
GF Awards 2025: Thomas Partey wins Player of the Year for the third time
1 hour -
The women at the centre of Somalia’s construction boom
2 hours -
Volta region welcomes ICT empowerment drive for girls
2 hours -
Gov’t fulfils promise as phase II of Blekusu sea defence project begins in VR– James Gunu
2 hours -
GF Awards 2025: Doris Boduwaa wins Women’s Player of the Year
2 hours -
GF Awards 2025: Jerry Afriyie beats Ashiaku and Edmund Baidoo to Future Star award
2 hours -
Saudi clubs on alert as Salisu wants out of AS Monaco
3 hours -
Fathers Day: Mahama gets ‘amazing husband and a truly wonderful father’ ‘cuddle’ from Lordina
3 hours -
AviaDev Africa 2025: Zanzibar dazzled as leaders gathered to shape Africa’s aviation and travel future
4 hours -
Ghana’s Real Estate: A Booming but fiercely competitive market- Who’s Buying, Who’s Watching, and Where is the Market Headed?
4 hours -
Armwrestling : Civil Aviation courts Armwrestling for active and healthy lifestyle amongst staff
4 hours -
Thomas Partey crowned 2025 Ghana Footballer of the Year
5 hours