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Burkina Faso

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: Specific national suicide prevention hotline information is currently unavailable.
    • Additional Details: Mental health services are generally provided through public health facilities and NGOs.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 1010
    • Notes: National emergency number for immediate assistance, including police and medical emergencies.
Suicide Prevention in Burkina Faso

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.1 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Burkina Faso have remained relatively stable but are underreported due to social stigma and lack of comprehensive data collection.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but still significant, often linked to domestic violence and economic challenges.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is increasingly noted among adolescents, often linked to poverty, unemployment, and limited mental health resources.
    • Elderly (60+): Suicide rates among the elderly are less documented but may be influenced by isolation and health challenges.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates tend to be higher in rural areas due to isolation, poverty, and limited access to mental health services.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Burkina Faso has limited national strategies for suicide prevention, with mental health services integrated into general healthcare.
  • Key Elements:
    • Training of primary healthcare workers to address mental health issues.
    • Community outreach programs to raise awareness about mental health and suicide.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: Awareness activities conducted during World Suicide Prevention Day aim to reduce stigma and promote help-seeking behavior.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Limited information is available on targeted programs for high-risk groups. Efforts are often led by NGOs and international organizations.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization and UNICEF to build mental health infrastructure and provide training.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Community Interventions:
    • Training community leaders to recognize signs of mental health issues and provide basic support.
  • Digital Tools:
    • Limited use of technology in mental health; initiatives to develop telemedicine services are in early stages.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide and mental health issues are heavily stigmatized in Burkina Faso, discouraging individuals from seeking help.
    • Traditional healers often play a significant role in addressing mental health issues in rural areas.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Lack of comprehensive data on suicide rates and contributing factors highlights the need for targeted research.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Growing collaboration with international organizations to improve mental health awareness and infrastructure.

References

  1. Trading Economics. (2019). Burkina Faso – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/burkina-faso/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
  2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health in Burkina Faso. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  3. UNICEF Burkina Faso. (n.d.). Adolescent Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/burkinafaso/
  4. Ministry of Health, Burkina Faso. (n.d.). Mental Health Services. Retrieved from https://www.sante.gov.bf/