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Burundi

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: Specific national suicide prevention hotline information is not currently available.
    • Additional Details: Mental health support is provided primarily through public health facilities and NGOs.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 112
    • Notes: National emergency line for police and medical emergencies, including mental health crises.
Suicide Prevention in Burundi

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 11.4 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: The suicide rate in Burundi has remained stable but may be underreported due to stigma and lack of comprehensive data collection systems.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher compared to females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but still notable, often linked to domestic violence and socioeconomic stress.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide rates are rising among adolescents, often related to unemployment, academic pressure, and lack of mental health resources.
    • Elderly (60+): Data is limited, but risk factors include isolation and chronic illness.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates tend to be higher in rural areas due to limited access to healthcare and social support systems.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Burundi has limited formal strategies for suicide prevention. Mental health services are integrated into general healthcare, with NGOs playing a significant role.
  • Key Elements:
    • Capacity building for healthcare workers to address mental health issues.
    • Outreach programs aimed at raising awareness about mental health and suicide.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Awareness activities during World Suicide Prevention Day aim to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Limited initiatives targeting adolescents, women, and rural populations are primarily led by international organizations.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with organizations like the World Health Organization and local NGOs to enhance mental health infrastructure.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training of community leaders to recognize mental health issues and provide basic support.
  • Telehealth Initiatives:
    • Limited use of telemedicine for mental health, but efforts are underway to introduce digital health solutions in remote areas.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Traditional beliefs and stigma surrounding mental health and suicide remain significant barriers to seeking help.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Comprehensive data on suicide rates and contributing factors is lacking, particularly for marginalized and high-risk populations.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Increased collaboration with international organizations to improve mental health awareness and services indicates progress.

References

  1. Trading Economics. (2019). Burundi – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/burundi/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
  2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health in Burundi. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  3. Ministry of Public Health, Burundi. (n.d.). Healthcare Services Overview. Retrieved from https://www.minisante.bi/
  4. UNICEF Burundi. (n.d.). Adolescent Health and Mental Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/burundi/