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Madagascar

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: No dedicated national suicide prevention hotline currently exists in Madagascar.
    • Alternative Support: Madagascar Ministry of Health – Mental Health Unit provides limited psychological services.
    • Contact: +261 20 22 200 63 (sante.gov.mg)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 117
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance.
  1. NGO Support Services:
    • Phone Number: +261 34 02 390 22 (Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team – Community Mental Health Support)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides psychological support, particularly for vulnerable populations. (hotosm.org)
Suicide Prevention in Madagascar

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.1 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Madagascar have remained relatively stable, with increased concerns due to poverty and lack of access to mental health care.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, reflecting global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, but suicide attempts are more common among women, often linked to gender-based violence and social pressures.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Growing concern due to academic stress, economic difficulties, and mental health stigma.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but financial instability and social isolation contribute to mental health struggles.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to poverty, lack of mental health resources, and traditional stigma surrounding mental health conditions.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Indigenous and Rural Communities: Limited access to healthcare and mental health services increases vulnerability.
    • People Living with Disabilities: Face additional social stigma and exclusion, increasing suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Madagascar does not have a formal national suicide prevention strategy, but mental health services are included in broader healthcare programs.
  • Key Elements:
    • Increasing access to mental health care in public hospitals.
    • Community-based awareness programs to reduce stigma.
    • Training healthcare workers in suicide prevention and mental health intervention.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Aina Tsara” (“Better Life”) campaign promotes awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health: School-based programs focusing on resilience and emotional well-being.
    • Community-Based Mental Health Support: Expanding access to mental health services in rural areas.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs to improve mental health services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Mobile health (mHealth) initiatives provide mental health support through SMS-based services.
    • Social media campaigns help to destigmatize mental health issues.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training traditional healers and religious leaders to recognize and support individuals at risk of suicide.
    • Peer-support programs for individuals recovering from mental health crises.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health and suicide are highly stigmatized topics in Madagascar, often viewed through spiritual and traditional lenses.
    • Family and community networks play a significant role in providing emotional and psychological support.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide trends, particularly among indigenous and rural populations.
    • Underreporting of suicide remains a challenge due to stigma and lack of awareness.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increased collaboration with international organizations to strengthen mental health services.
    • Growing recognition of mental health as a key public health issue.

References

  1. Madagascar Ministry of Health. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Madagascar. Retrieved from https://www.sante.gov.mg/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Madagascar – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
  3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Madagascar. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. (n.d.). Community-Based Mental Health Support Services. Retrieved from https://www.hotosm.org/
  5. UNICEF Madagascar. (n.d.). Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs for Children and Adolescents in Madagascar. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/madagascar/