Madagascar

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 6.1 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
• Trend Analysis:
  • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Madagascar have remained relatively stable, with increased concerns due to poverty and lack of access to mental health care.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, reflecting global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower overall, but suicide attempts are more common among women, often linked to gender-based violence and social pressures.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Growing concern due to academic stress, economic difficulties, and mental health stigma.
   • Elderly (60+): Limited data, but financial instability and social isolation contribute to mental health struggles.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Suicide rates are higher in rural areas due to poverty, lack of mental health resources, and traditional stigma surrounding mental health conditions.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Indigenous and Rural Communities: Limited access to healthcare and mental health services increases vulnerability.
   • People Living with Disabilities: Face additional social stigma and exclusion, increasing suicide risk.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Madagascar does not have a formal national suicide prevention strategy, but mental health services are included in broader healthcare programs.
• Key Elements:
  • Increasing access to mental health care in public hospitals.
  • Community-based awareness programs to reduce stigma.
  • Training healthcare workers in suicide prevention and mental health intervention.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: “Aina Tsara” (“Better Life”) campaign promotes awareness of mental health and suicide prevention.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Youth Mental Health: School-based programs focusing on resilience and emotional well-being.
   • Community-Based Mental Health Support: Expanding access to mental health services in rural areas.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs to improve mental health services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Digital Tools:

• • Mobile health (mHealth) initiatives provide mental health support through SMS-based services.
  • Social media campaigns help to destigmatize mental health issues.

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training traditional healers and religious leaders to recognize and support individuals at risk of suicide.
  • Peer-support programs for individuals recovering from mental health crises.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Mental health and suicide are highly stigmatized topics in Madagascar, often viewed through spiritual and traditional lenses.
  • Family and community networks play a significant role in providing emotional and psychological support.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Limited national data on suicide trends, particularly among indigenous and rural populations.
  • Underreporting of suicide remains a challenge due to stigma and lack of awareness.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increased collaboration with international organizations to strengthen mental health services.
  • Growing recognition of mental health as a key public health issue.

References

1. Madagascar Ministry of Health. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Programs in Madagascar. Retrieved from https://www.sante.gov.mg/
2. World Bank. (2019). Madagascar – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org/
3. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Madagascar. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
4. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team. (n.d.). Community-Based Mental Health Support Services. Retrieved from https://www.hotosm.org/
5. UNICEF Madagascar. (n.d.). Mental Health and Wellbeing Programs for Children and Adolescents in Madagascar. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/madagascar/