Djibouti

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 5.4 (2019 data). (org)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Djibouti have remained relatively low compared to global averages, though underreporting due to stigma is likely.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women face significant mental health challenges related to domestic violence and socio-economic stress.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a growing concern among youth, linked to unemployment, family conflicts, and lack of mental health resources.
   • Elderly (60+): Data is limited, but social isolation and health challenges may contribute to higher risks.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Rural areas experience higher suicide rates due to isolation, limited access to healthcare, and cultural stigma around mental health issues.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Djibouti does not currently have a formalized national suicide prevention strategy. Mental health care is supported by international organizations and integrated into general healthcare services.
• Key Elements:

• • Raising awareness about mental health issues.
  • Training healthcare workers to identify and manage suicide risks.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Limited national campaigns are conducted. Mental health awareness is typically driven by international organizations such as WHO and UNICEF.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Programs for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) aim to address trauma and mental health needs.
   • Limited initiatives targeting youth and women.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships between the Ministry of Health, international organizations, and NGOs to expand mental health services and community outreach.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training community leaders and healthcare workers to recognize signs of mental health issues and provide support.

• Digital Tools:

• • Digital mental health initiatives are minimal, though efforts are underway to integrate telehealth services in underserved areas.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health stigma is prevalent in Djibouti, with traditional beliefs often attributing mental illness to supernatural causes.
  • Traditional healers play a significant role in addressing mental health issues, highlighting the potential for integration with modern healthcare approaches.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Comprehensive data on suicide rates, particularly among marginalized populations such as refugees and LGBTQIA+ individuals, is lacking.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increased collaboration with international organizations to address mental health challenges and trauma in conflict-affected populations is a positive step forward.

References

1. World Bank. (2019). Djibouti – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Djibouti. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
3. UNICEF Djibouti. (n.d.). Mental Health Support for Youth and Refugees. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/djibouti/
4. Ministry of Health, Djibouti. (n.d.). Healthcare Services Overview. Retrieved from http://www.sante.gouv.dj/
5. Médecins Sans Frontières. (n.d.). Mental Health Support in Refugee Populations in Djibouti. Retrieved from https://www.msf.org/