Gabon
Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines
- Primary Crisis Hotline:
- Phone Number: Specific national suicide prevention hotline information is not currently available.
- Additional Details: Mental health support is provided through public hospitals and NGOs, with crisis services often supported by international organizations like WHO.
- Emergency Line:
- Phone Number: 1730 (Emergency Medical Assistance)
- Notes: Provides general emergency services, including medical assistance.
Epidemiology of Suicide
Overall Statistics
- Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 9.4 (2019 data). (org)
- Trend Analysis:
- Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Gabon have remained stable, but underreporting is likely due to cultural stigma and limited mental health infrastructure.
Demographic-Specific Insights
- By Gender:
- Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
- Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women face significant mental health challenges related to domestic violence and economic stress.
- By Age Groups:
- Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is an increasing concern among youth, linked to unemployment, academic pressures, and family conflict.
- Elderly (60+): Limited data is available, but risks may be associated with isolation and chronic illnesses.
- Rural vs. Urban:
- Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to isolation, poverty, and lack of mental health services.
- Special Groups:
- Refugees and marginalized populations face higher risks due to trauma and lack of psychosocial support.
Suicide Prevention Innovations
National Strategies and Policies
- Overview: Gabon does not currently have a formalized national suicide prevention strategy. Mental health services are part of public health care, supported by NGOs and international organizations.
- Key Elements:
- Integration of mental health services into primary healthcare.
- Training healthcare providers in suicide prevention and mental health care.
Specific Initiatives and Campaigns
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Limited national campaigns are conducted; mental health education is primarily driven by NGOs and international organizations.
- Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
- Community programs focus on addressing mental health needs in underserved areas.
- School-based initiatives aim to promote emotional resilience among youth.
- Collaborative Efforts:
- Partnerships with WHO and other international organizations provide training and resources to strengthen mental health services.
Innovative Tools and Approaches
- Community-Based Interventions:
- Training community leaders and health workers to recognize and address signs of mental health issues and suicide risks.
- Mobile Clinics:
- Mobile health units provide access to mental health care in rural and underserved areas.
Additional Insights
- Cultural Considerations:
- Mental health stigma is prevalent in Gabon, with traditional beliefs often attributing mental illness to supernatural causes.
- Family and community networks are essential components of mental health care.
- Research and Data Gaps:
- Limited comprehensive data on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals and other marginalized groups.
- Positive Developments:
- Growing collaboration with international organizations highlights Gabon’s efforts to improve mental health care and suicide prevention.
References
- World Bank. (2019). Gabon – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Gabon. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
- Ministry of Health, Gabon. (n.d.). Public Health and Mental Health Services. Retrieved from http://www.sante.gouv.ga/
- Médecins Sans Frontières. (n.d.). Mental Health Support for Vulnerable Populations in Gabon. Retrieved from https://www.msf.org/
- UNICEF Gabon. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/gabon/