- Project ASHA
WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY
Over the years, attitudes toward suicide have varied following various cultural perspective. Since its inception in 2003, World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) fosters the commitment and actions towards suicide prevention with various activities globally. Having this year's theme as : 'Working Together to Prevent Suicide', a collaboration is expedient. In Nigeria, cases are often under reported. It is considered as a "taboo" in many parts of the country. Reporting cases is one way of collaboration.
Nigeria unfortunately is reported as the 30th most suicide-prone by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to a publication by Daily Trust (Abuja) on 10th September, 2020, 264 Nigerians committed suicide in four years. The consumption of the daily insecticide- 'Sniper', acid and jumping off the 3rd Mainland bridge are common means which individuals end their existence.
Nevertheless, the theme for this year's WSPD, Working Together to Prevent Suicide reinforces the role each and every member of society plays in ensuring the continual existence of another despite the challenges. We must reinvent our state of Communalism as opposed to Individualism. A listening ear should always remain the first option while we be our brothers keeper.
