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Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: Specific national suicide prevention hotline information is not currently available.
    • Additional Details: Mental health services are provided through public health facilities and NGOs.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 132
    • Notes: National emergency line for police, fire, and medical assistance, including mental health crises.
Suicide Prevention in Cabo Verde

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 5.8 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Cabo Verde have remained relatively low compared to global averages.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher compared to females.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but still notable, particularly among younger women.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide rates are increasing in this group, linked to unemployment, academic stress, and mental health challenges.
    • Elderly (60+): Data on elderly suicide rates is limited but may be influenced by isolation and health issues.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates in rural areas are higher due to limited access to mental health services and greater social isolation.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Cabo Verde has limited formalized suicide prevention strategies, but efforts are underway to integrate mental health into primary healthcare.
  • Key Elements:
    • Training healthcare workers in mental health and suicide prevention.
    • Strengthening public health initiatives to address stigma around mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Mental health awareness campaigns organized by the Ministry of Health aim to educate the public and reduce stigma associated with mental health issues.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Limited targeted programs exist, but NGOs and international organizations have focused on youth and women’s mental health.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with the World Health Organization and local NGOs to improve mental health awareness and infrastructure.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training community leaders and volunteers to identify and assist individuals at risk of suicide.
  • Digital Tools:
    • Early efforts to introduce telemedicine and digital health platforms to expand access to mental health support.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health issues and suicide remain stigmatized in Cabo Verde, often leading to underreporting and delayed help-seeking behavior.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited research on suicide rates and mental health challenges within specific demographic groups.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Ongoing collaboration with international organizations and gradual integration of mental health into primary care services reflect positive progress.

References

  1. Trading Economics. (2019). Cabo Verde – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/cape-verde/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
  2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health in Cabo Verde. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  3. Ministry of Health, Cabo Verde. (n.d.). Public Health Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.minsaude.gov.cv/
  4. UNICEF Cabo Verde. (n.d.). Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/caboverde/