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Mozambique

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: No dedicated national suicide prevention hotline currently exists in Mozambique.
    • Alternative Support: Ministry of Health – Mental Health Department provides limited mental health services.
    • Contact: +258 21 32 12 74 (misaude.gov.mz)
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +258 82 519 7253 (Aga Khan Foundation – Community Mental Health Support)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Offers limited counseling and psychological support.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 119 (Police), 117 (Ambulance)
    • Notes: National emergency services, though not specific to mental health crises.
  1. NGO and Faith-Based Support:
    • Phone Number: +258 82 453 8330 (SANT’Egidio Mozambique – Psychological Assistance)
    • Hours of Operation: By appointment
    • Additional Details: Provides community-based mental health support through religious and social groups.
Suicide Prevention in Mozambique

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.5 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Mozambique remain relatively low, though there is an increasing concern about mental health challenges exacerbated by poverty, conflict, and natural disasters.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though women report higher rates of self-harm and suicide attempts.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Rising concerns due to unemployment, early marriage, and exposure to violence.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but economic instability and health issues are likely contributing factors.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates appear higher in rural areas due to extreme poverty, limited mental health services, and social isolation.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Conflict Zones: High suicide risk due to displacement, trauma, and lack of mental health services.
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Face severe discrimination, social exclusion, and increased suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Mozambique does not have a formal national suicide prevention plan, but mental health is addressed under the National Health Strategy.
  • Key Elements:
    • Training community health workers in basic mental health care.
    • Expanding psychiatric services in urban hospitals.
    • Public health campaigns to reduce mental health stigma.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Saúde Mental para Todos” (“Mental Health for All”) campaign promotes mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Psychosocial Support for Conflict-Affected Individuals: Programs providing trauma counseling to internally displaced persons.
    • Youth and Women’s Mental Health Support: Community organizations focusing on resilience-building and suicide prevention.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and local NGOs to improve mental health services and crisis intervention.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • SMS-based mental health support for individuals in remote areas.
    • Social media campaigns to reduce stigma surrounding suicide and depression.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Suicide prevention training for community leaders, teachers, and healthcare providers.
    • Peer-support networks in faith-based and NGO settings.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide is highly stigmatized and often viewed as a spiritual or moral failing.
    • Many individuals seek help from religious and traditional healers rather than medical professionals.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide rates, particularly among Indigenous and conflict-affected populations.
    • Suicide is likely underreported due to stigma and lack of awareness.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Mental health services are expanding through community health programs.
    • Increased efforts to integrate mental health into primary healthcare.

References

  1. Mozambique Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Mental Health Strategy and Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from http://www.misaude.gov.mz/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Mozambique – 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 Mozambique. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Aga Khan Foundation Mozambique. (n.d.). Community Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Support. Retrieved from https://www.akdn.org/
  5. SANT’Egidio Mozambique. (n.d.). Faith-Based Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs. Retrieved from https://www.santegidio.org/
  6. UNICEF Mozambique. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/mozambique/