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Benin

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: Specific national suicide prevention hotline information is currently unavailable.
    • Additional Details: Mental health resources are limited in Benin, but services are provided by public hospitals and NGOs.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 117
    • Notes: National emergency number for police assistance, accessible via mobile and landline.
Suicide Prevention in Benin

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 8.1 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: The suicide rate in Benin has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Data not available.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Data not available.
    • Notable Trends: Suicide rates are typically higher among men globally, and it is likely this trend is reflected in Benin.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Specific data on suicide rates by age group in Benin is not available.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Rural populations in Benin may face higher mental health challenges due to limited access to healthcare services and resources.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Benin has not implemented a national suicide prevention strategy; however, mental health services are integrated into public healthcare to a limited extent.
  • Key Elements:
    • Mental health services are primarily offered through public hospitals and some international NGO initiatives.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • There is limited information on public awareness campaigns specifically targeting suicide prevention in Benin.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Programs addressing general mental health, substance abuse, and youth issues are provided sporadically through NGOs and international partnerships.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • International organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), provide technical support for mental health initiatives in Benin.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Cultural stigma surrounding mental health and suicide in Benin may discourage individuals from seeking help or talking about mental health challenges.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • There is a significant lack of detailed data on suicide rates and mental health demographics in Benin, hindering effective intervention planning.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Collaboration with international organizations, such as the WHO, has led to some progress in integrating mental health services into the healthcare system.

References

  1. Trading Economics. (2019). Benin – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/benin/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
  2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health in Sub-Saharan Africa. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/mental_health/