Egypt

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 2.5 (2019 data). (org)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Egypt remain low compared to global averages, but underreporting is common due to social and cultural stigma.

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, particularly due to domestic violence and societal pressures.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a growing concern among youth, linked to academic pressure, unemployment, and family conflicts.
   • Elderly (60+): Data is limited, but mental health challenges related to isolation and chronic illness may contribute to suicide risks.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Higher suicide rates in rural areas due to limited access to mental health services, poverty, and stigma.

4. Special Groups:

1. • LGBTQIA+ individuals face elevated risks of suicide due to societal stigma, discrimination, and lack of supportive resources.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Egypt has implemented mental health programs under the Ministry of Health, focusing on reducing stigma, expanding services, and integrating mental health care into the public health system.
• Key Elements:

• • Training healthcare providers to identify and manage suicide risks.
  • Public education campaigns to promote mental health awareness.
  • Establishing community mental health services to improve access to care.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: Campaigns such as “You Are Not Alone” promote mental health awareness and encourage individuals to seek help.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • School-based mental health programs educate youth on coping skills and stress management.
   • Community outreach programs focus on rural and underserved areas to improve mental health care access.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO and local NGOs to strengthen mental health services and provide psychosocial support.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Mental health apps and online platforms offer support and education, especially for younger populations.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training for community leaders, educators, and social workers to recognize and respond to signs of suicide risk.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health stigma is significant in Egypt, with societal and religious attitudes often discouraging open discussions about mental health and suicide.
  • Family and religious institutions play a central role in mental health care, which can be leveraged to provide support.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Limited comprehensive data on suicide rates among marginalized groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals and refugees.

• Positive Developments:

• • The hotline by the General Secretariat of Mental Health and ongoing public awareness campaigns reflect Egypt’s growing focus on mental health care and suicide prevention.

References

1. Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt. (n.d.). Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Services. Retrieved from https://www.mohp.gov.eg/
2. World Bank. (2019). Egypt – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health Services in Egypt. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. UNICEF Egypt. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/egypt/
5. General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment. (n.d.). Hotline Support Services. Retrieved from https://www.mohp.gov.eg/