Guinea

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 8.2 (2019 data). (org)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Guinea have been relatively stable, but underreporting is a challenge due to stigma and limited mental health infrastructure.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, following global patterns.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though women face significant mental health challenges related to domestic violence and socio-economic pressures.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide is a growing concern, often linked to unemployment, family conflict, and academic stress.
   • Elderly (60+): Limited data is available, but isolation and health challenges contribute to risks.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to isolation, limited access to healthcare, and poverty.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Refugees and displaced populations face elevated risks due to trauma, socio-economic challenges, and lack of mental health services.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Guinea does not currently have a formalized national suicide prevention strategy. Mental health care is integrated into the general healthcare system, supported by international organizations like WHO and Médecins Sans Frontières.
• Key Elements:

• • Training healthcare providers to identify and manage mental health and suicide risks.
  • Public awareness initiatives to reduce stigma around mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Mental health awareness campaigns, often led by NGOs, focus on reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Community programs address the needs of rural and underserved populations.
   • Youth initiatives in schools promote resilience and stress management.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO and local NGOs aim to strengthen mental health infrastructure and outreach.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training for community health workers to provide basic mental health care and support individuals at risk of suicide.
  • Peer support groups are gradually being introduced in some regions.

• Mobile Clinics:

• • Mobile health units provide access to mental health services in remote and underserved areas.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health stigma is significant in Guinea, with traditional beliefs often attributing mental health issues to spiritual or supernatural causes.
  • Family and community networks are essential for mental health support.

• Research and Data Gaps:

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

• Positive Developments:

• • International collaborations and increased public awareness campaigns highlight progress in mental health care and suicide prevention.

References

1. World Bank. (2019). Guinea – 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 Guinea. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
3. Médecins Sans Frontières. (n.d.). Mental Health Support for Vulnerable Populations in Guinea. Retrieved from https://www.msf.org/
4. UNICEF Guinea. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Support. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/guinea/
5. Ministry of Health, Guinea. (n.d.). National Healthcare Overview. Retrieved from https://sante.gov.gn/