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Mauritania

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines

  1. Primary Crisis Hotline:
    • Phone Number: No dedicated national suicide prevention hotline currently exists in Mauritania.
    • Alternative Support: Ministry of Health – Mental Health Unit provides limited crisis support.
    • Contact: +222 45 25 40 40 (sante.gov.mr)
  1. Emergency Line:
    • Phone Number: 117 (Police), 118 (Fire & Medical Emergencies)
    • Notes: National emergency numbers, though not specific to mental health emergencies.
  1. NGO Support Services:
    • Phone Number: +222 45 24 80 30 (Nouakchott Psychiatric Hospital – Mental Health Services)
    • Hours of Operation: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday
    • Additional Details: Provides psychiatric and psychological support, including crisis intervention.
Suicide Prevention in Mauritania

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

  • Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 4.8 (2019 data). (worldbank.org)
  • Trend Analysis:
    • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Mauritania remain low compared to global averages, but concerns are rising regarding mental health issues due to economic hardship, social isolation, and stigma.

Demographic-Specific Insights

  1. By Gender:
    • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
    • Female Suicide Rate: Lower, but women face significant barriers in accessing mental health care.
  1. By Age Groups:
    • Adolescents (15–24): Increasing suicide risk due to academic stress, forced marriages, and economic hardship.
    • Elderly (60+): Limited data, though financial insecurity and chronic illnesses contribute to suicide risk.
  1. Rural vs. Urban:
    • Suicide rates are likely higher in rural areas due to poverty, social stigma, and lack of access to mental health care.
  1. Special Groups:
    • Women Facing Gender-Based Violence: Higher suicide risk due to domestic abuse and lack of support services.
    • Migrants and Refugees: Higher mental health burden due to displacement and socioeconomic challenges.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

  • Overview: Mauritania does not have a formal national suicide prevention strategy, but mental health services are included in the National Health Development Plan.
  • Key Elements:
    • Expanding psychiatric services in public hospitals.
    • Training healthcare professionals in suicide prevention.
    • Increasing public awareness of mental health.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

  1. Public Awareness Campaigns:
    • Example: “Bien-être et Santé Mentale” (“Well-being and Mental Health”) campaign raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.
  1. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:
    • Youth Mental Health Programs: Focus on resilience and emotional well-being.
    • Community-Based Mental Health Support: Expanding access to mental health services in rural areas.
  1. Collaborative Efforts:
    • Partnerships with WHO, UNHCR, and NGOs to improve mental health awareness and services.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

  • Digital Tools:
    • Mobile health (mHealth) services provide SMS-based mental health support.
    • Social media campaigns to combat stigma surrounding mental health.
  • Community-Based Interventions:
    • Training religious leaders and traditional healers to recognize and respond to suicide risk.
    • Peer-support programs providing emotional and psychological assistance.

Additional Insights

  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Suicide remains a taboo topic in Mauritania, often seen as a social dishonor or religious concern.
    • Traditional healing practices and religious support systems play a crucial role in mental health care.
  • Research and Data Gaps:
    • Limited national data on suicide trends, particularly among marginalized groups.
    • Suicide rates may be underreported due to stigma and lack of public awareness.
  • Positive Developments:
    • Recent expansion of mental health programs in major cities.
    • Growing international partnerships to improve mental health access.

References

  1. Mauritania Ministry of Health. (n.d.). National Health Policy and Mental Health Initiatives. Retrieved from http://www.sante.gov.mr/
  2. World Bank. (2019). Mauritania – 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 Mauritania. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
  4. Nouakchott Psychiatric Hospital. (n.d.). Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Services in Mauritania. Retrieved from https://www.sante.gov.mr/
  5. UNICEF Mauritania. (n.d.). Youth Mental Health and Well-being Programs in Mauritania. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/mauritania/