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Comoros

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 limited and primarily provided through public hospitals and international NGOs.
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 117 (Police), 112 (Medical Emergency)
    • Notes: National emergency numbers for immediate assistance, including mental health crises.
Suicide Prevention in Comoros

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 5.4 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Comoros have remained relatively low compared to global averages, though underreporting due to stigma is likely.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher compared to females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but notable, with domestic violence and economic stress being contributing factors.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide rates are increasing among adolescents due to unemployment, family conflicts, and lack of access to mental health resources.
    • Elderly (60+): Data is limited, but social isolation and health issues may contribute to risk.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Rural areas experience higher suicide rates due to isolation, limited healthcare access, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Comoros does not have a formal national suicide prevention strategy. Mental health services are limited and mainly supported by NGOs and international organizations.
  • Key Elements:
    • Integration of mental health into primary healthcare is in its early stages.
    • Public health programs focus on raising awareness about mental health issues.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Limited national campaigns; most awareness efforts are driven by international organizations and local NGOs.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Limited programs are available for specific high-risk groups. Existing efforts focus on youth and women in underserved areas.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to enhance mental health services and provide basic psychosocial support.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training healthcare workers and community leaders to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.
  • Mobile Clinics:
    • Efforts are underway to establish mobile health units to provide mental health services in remote and rural areas.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Mental health issues and suicide are heavily stigmatized in Comorian society, often discouraging individuals from seeking help.
    • Traditional healers are frequently consulted, highlighting the potential for integrating modern and traditional mental health approaches.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Comprehensive data on suicide rates and contributing factors is lacking, particularly for marginalized populations.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Collaborative efforts with international organizations to integrate mental health services into public healthcare and provide training for local healthcare workers are promising.

References

  1. Trading Economics. (2019). Comoros – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/comoros/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
  2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Comoros. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  3. UNICEF Comoros. (n.d.). Youth and Mental Health Initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/comoros/
  4. Ministry of Health, Comoros. (n.d.). Healthcare Services Overview. Retrieved from https://www.sante.gov.km/