Back

São Tomé and Príncipe

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: No dedicated national suicide prevention helpline. Mental health support is provided through hospitals and community clinics.
    • Alternative Contact: +239 222 2222 (Hospital Ayres de Menezes – Mental Health Services)
    • Hours of Operation: 24/7 emergency services available.
    • Additional Details: Offers psychiatric services and crisis intervention.
  1. Mental Health Helpline:
    • Phone Number: +239 225 2121 (São Tomé and Príncipe Red Cross – Psychological Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides emotional support and referrals for individuals experiencing distress.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: National emergency number for police, fire, and medical services.
  1. Gender-Based Violence and Trauma Support:
    • Phone Number: +239 226 6655 (National Institute for Women and Family – GBV and Trauma Support Helpline)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 6 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides crisis intervention and psychological support for survivors of gender-based violence.
  1. Youth and Adolescent Mental Health Support:
    • Phone Number: +239 222 3000 (Ministry of Youth – Youth Mental Health Support Line)
    • Hours of Operation: 9 AM – 4 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides guidance, counseling, and emotional support for adolescents.
Suicide Prevention in São Tomé and Príncipe

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 2.1 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in São Tomé and Príncipe remain among the lowest in the world, but underreporting is a concern. Limited mental health services impact accurate data collection.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than female suicide rates, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though suicide attempts are more frequently reported among women.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Limited data, but anecdotal evidence suggests increasing suicide risks due to social and economic challenges.
    • Elderly (60+): Mental health concerns due to isolation and health-related issues.
  1. Urban vs. Rural:
    • Suicide rates may be underreported in rural areas due to cultural stigma and lack of mental health infrastructure.
  1. Special Groups:
    • LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Limited data, but discrimination and social exclusion contribute to mental health struggles.
    • Victims of Gender-Based Violence: Higher suicide risk among survivors of domestic abuse.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Suicide prevention is not yet a structured policy priority in São Tomé and Príncipe, but mental health is included in public health strategies.
  • Key Elements:
    • Integration of mental health services into general healthcare.
    • Increasing accessibility to mental health support, especially in rural areas.
    • Community engagement to reduce stigma around mental health issues.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Falar é Viver” (Speaking is Living) – A small-scale mental health awareness campaign encouraging open conversations about mental health.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health Support Programs: Community outreach initiatives targeting young people at risk of depression and suicide.
    • Gender-Based Violence Prevention Programs: Providing psychological support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • São Tomé and Príncipe collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and regional health organizations to enhance mental health services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Limited access to online mental health services, but SMS-based health support is being explored.
    • Social media initiatives promoting mental health awareness.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training of healthcare workers to recognize and manage suicide risks.
    • Religious and community organizations play a significant role in providing mental health support.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a sensitive issue, with many individuals relying on religious or community support rather than professional mental health services.
    • Limited healthcare infrastructure presents challenges in mental health service delivery.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • No official national suicide prevention data collection system.
    • Underreporting of suicide attempts due to stigma and lack of awareness.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Growing recognition of mental health as an important public health issue.
    • Increasing collaborations with international health organizations to improve mental health care access.

References

  1. São Tomé and Príncipe Ministry of Health. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.ms.gov.st/
  2. World Bank. (2019). São Tomé and Príncipe – 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 São Tomé and Príncipe. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. São Tomé and Príncipe Red Cross. (n.d.). Crisis Helpline and Psychological Support Services. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.st/
  5. PAHO (Pan American Health Organization). (n.d.). Mental Health Policies and Suicide Prevention in Africa. Retrieved from https://www.paho.org/
  6. UNICEF São Tomé and Príncipe. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in São Tomé and Príncipe. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/saotome/
  7. National Institute for Women and Family. (n.d.). Gender-Based Violence and Mental Health Support in São Tomé and Príncipe. Retrieved from https://www.institutomulher.st/