Guinea-Bissau

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 8.4 (2019 data). (org)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Guinea-Bissau have remained stable, though underreporting is common due to social stigma and limited mental health infrastructure.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, though women face significant mental health challenges, including domestic violence and limited economic opportunities.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide among youth is a growing concern, often linked to unemployment, educational pressures, and family conflict.
   • Elderly (60+): Data is limited, but isolation and health challenges may contribute to risks.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

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

4. Special Groups:

1. • Refugees and marginalized populations face higher risks due to trauma, economic challenges, and lack of psychosocial support.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Guinea-Bissau does not currently have a formalized national suicide prevention strategy. Mental health care is integrated into the general healthcare system, often with support from international organizations.
• Key Elements:

• • Training healthcare workers in mental health and suicide prevention.
  • Public education campaigns to reduce stigma and increase awareness.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Awareness initiatives are typically led by NGOs and international organizations to educate communities on mental health and suicide risks.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Community programs provide support in rural and underserved areas.
   • Youth-focused initiatives aim to promote emotional resilience and coping strategies.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO and local NGOs focus on strengthening mental health services and training healthcare providers.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training for community leaders, teachers, and healthcare workers to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide.
  • Peer support networks are slowly emerging in some regions.

• Mobile Clinics:

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

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

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

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Comprehensive data on suicide rates among LGBTQIA+ individuals, refugees, and other marginalized groups is lacking.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increasing collaboration with international organizations and gradual public awareness campaigns reflect progress in addressing mental health and suicide prevention.

References

1. World Bank. (2019). Guinea-Bissau – 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-Bissau. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
3. Médecins Sans Frontières. (n.d.). Mental Health Support in Guinea-Bissau. Retrieved from https://www.msf.org/
4. UNICEF Guinea-Bissau. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/guineabissau/
5. Ministry of Public Health, Guinea-Bissau. (n.d.). Healthcare and Mental Health Overview. Retrieved from https://saude.gov.gw/