Eritrea

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.2 (2019 data). (org)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Eritrea have remained relatively stable, though stigma and underreporting are significant challenges.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women face substantial mental health challenges due to domestic violence, displacement, and socio-economic pressures.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Youth suicide is a growing concern, often linked to economic hardship, family conflict, and limited access to mental health services.
   • Elderly (60+): Data is limited, but social isolation and chronic health challenges may contribute to risks.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare, social isolation, and economic difficulties.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Refugees, returnees, and displaced persons face elevated risks of suicide due to trauma and lack of psychosocial support.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Eritrea does not currently have a formalized national suicide prevention strategy. Mental health services are integrated into public healthcare with support from international organizations.
• Key Elements:

• • Training healthcare providers to recognize and manage mental health issues.
  • Community-based initiatives to reduce stigma and promote mental well-being.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Limited national campaigns are conducted, but efforts by international organizations focus on mental health education and stigma reduction.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Community-based programs for displaced populations and women exposed to violence.
   • Youth-focused initiatives to address school and employment-related stressors.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and other international organizations to strengthen mental health services and expand access.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training for community health workers to identify and address suicide risks in rural and underserved areas.
  • Integration of traditional healing practices with modern mental health approaches.

• Mobile Clinics:

• • Mobile health units provide mental health care to remote and rural populations.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health stigma is pervasive in Eritrea, with traditional beliefs often attributing mental illness to supernatural causes.
  • Family and community networks play a crucial role in mental health support, underscoring the importance of involving them in interventions.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Comprehensive data on suicide rates among marginalized populations, such as refugees, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and rural residents, is lacking.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increased collaboration with international organizations to address mental health challenges in vulnerable populations is a positive development.

References

1. World Bank. (2019). Eritrea – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Eritrea. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
3. UNICEF Eritrea. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/eritrea/
4. Médecins Sans Frontières. (n.d.). Mental Health Support for Displaced Populations in Eritrea. Retrieved from https://www.msf.org/
5. Ministry of Health, Eritrea. (n.d.). Healthcare Services Overview. Retrieved from http://www.shabait.com/