It is quite clear that suicide is no longer a personal tragedy. It is now a public health crisis that touches families and communities across Africa and the world at large. What might be a statistic to the rest of the world is (to those affected) a life cut short and a community left with unanswered questions.
But even as the numbers continue to shock us (according to the World Health Organization, Africa records the highest regional suicide rate in the world. Globally, one person dies to suicide every 40 seconds) i just want you to know that there is hope and there are solutions. Suicide can be prevented when we combine awareness with action. By action we mean stronger support systems, community involvement and access to timely help.
In this article, we’ll focus on the practical steps Africa can take to prevent suicide. Some of these include building stronger mental health systems, tapping into the power of culture and community (our biggest superpower as Africans), expanding helplines and digital support, encouraging governments to act and last but not least, learning what we can all do at an individual level.
Strengthening Mental Health Systems
For too long, the silence around mental health in Africa has been detrimental. While conversations are beginning to open up, we still cannot overlook the fact that most countries on the continent still invest very little in mental health care compared to other health priorities (I read somewhere that only 1% of the budget goes to mental health).
Practical steps to strengthen systems include:
- Investing in mental health professionals
Africa has fewer than one psychiatrist per 100,000 people in many regions. Training more professionals including psychologists, counselors and social workers could be a much welcome life-saving step. - Integrating mental health into primary care
Not everyone can afford to see a specialist, and that is the sad reality. Now imagine if you visited a general practitioner at your local clinic and they could help a bit. Training doctors and nurses to recognize signs of depression and suicidal thoughts could go a long way by ensuring help becomes more accessible. - Making treatment affordable and accessible
Medication and therapy costs do not come cheap. Many people are deterred by this. Governments and NGOs can subsidize services so that help is available to the public and not just the wealthy. - Bringing services closer to communities
Mobile clinics, school-based counselors and community health workers can bridge the gap in instances where hospitals are either too far away or simply inaccessible due to funds.
Contrary to what most think, strengthening mental health systems is not just about hospitals. It is not simply about therapy or seeing a psychiatrist. Rather, it’s about creating a safety net that catches people before they reach a breaking point.
The Power of Culture and Community
In Africa, community has always been a source of strength. We have families, neighbors, elders and faith groups as the first line of support during difficult times. And when it comes to suicide prevention, these cultural and communal ties become powerful tools.
Practical approaches include:
Breaking taboos in local languages
Many African cultures still avoid speaking about suicide directly. We need to create safe conversations in local languages that can help dismantle stigma and make it easier for people to ask for help.
Engaging religious and community leaders
In many regions, pastors, imams and traditional leaders are the first people we approach in times of crisis. For that reason, they need to be trained to recognize warning signs and guide people to professional help.
Using storytelling and art
Suicide as a topic is hardly talked about enough. This is a continent that prefers to bury its head in the sand when it comes to that. Which is why the media; from radio conversations to community theatre and african bloggers need to tell these stories. Storytelling can reach where statistics cannot and allow people to see themselves in others’ struggles, realizing they are not alone.
Building peer-support networks
Youth groups, women’s collectives and community associations can create safe spaces where individuals share struggles before they reach breaking point.
Culture is a powerful tool that can either silence or empower. By leaning on Africa’s rich traditions of solidarity and care, communities can and will become strong allies in this journey of preventing suicide.
Expanding Helplines and Digital Support Across the Continent
Suicide prevention relies on swift access to help. To achieve this, everyone needs to have trusted and easily accessible contacts. Here’s a breakdown of some critical support networks and digital tools by region:
Kenya & East Africa
- Befrienders Kenya . A trusted 24/7 emotional support line offering active listening across Kenya.
- one2one 1190. According to their website > https://www.one2onekenya.org/, “The one2one 1190 Hotline offers reliable, nonjudgmental information on the four thematic areas: HIV, Gender-based Violence, sexual reproductive health and rights and Mental Health.”
- Local mental health centers. Community-based services like Amani Counselling Centre (Nairobi), Kamili and KNH free services for youth.
West Africa (e.g., Nigeria & neighboring regions)
- SURPIN (Nigeria) – A national suicide prevention body offering free 24/7 counseling, workshops, and digital outreach.
Helpline Numbers: +234 800 0078 7746 (toll-free), +234 903 440 0009, +234 908 021 7555, +234 814 224 1007 (Hausa)
Website: [surpinng.com] LifeLine InternationalSurpinng. - Bluemind Foundation’s Heal by Hair Program – Trains hairstylists in Togo, Ivory Coast and Cameroon to identify mental health distress and provide psychological first aid in a trusted local setting.
Website: [bluemindfoundation.org] Bluemind FoundationAfrican Media Agency.
South Africa
- SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) – The largest continent-wide mental health NGO with multiple helplines:
- Suicide Crisis Line (24/7): 0800 567 567
- Mental Health Helpline: 0800 21 22 23
- WhatsApp support: 087 163 2030
Website: [sadag.org.za]
- Suicide Crisis Line (24/7): 0800 567 567
- Lifeline South Africa – Offers emotional support, crisis intervention and outreach.
Call: 0861 322 322 · Website: [lifelinesa.co.za] - Akeso / Netcare – Specialized psychiatric crisis intervention.
Call: 0861 435 787 . - Tears Foundation – Supports abuse survivors and those in crisis.
Call: 08000 TEARS / 08000 83277 (24/7) .
Pan-African Support
- ASPA (Africa Suicide Prevention Association) – Offers a continent-wide toolkit and support directory for suicide prevention services.
Website: [aspaafrica.org]
Policy, Advocacy, and Leadership
Suicide prevention is as much of a health issue as it is a political and social responsibility. Africa needs strong leadership at the government level to come together with advocacy from civil society in order to transform how Africa responds to mental health crises. As i write this, only a handful of African nations have dedicated suicide prevention strategies, with a majority of those lacking sufficient funding or implementation. Developing and resourcing these strategies is not only needed but necessary in implementing a coordinated and long-term response that reaches those who need it.
Another pressing concern is the criminalization of suicide attempts which unfortunately still exists in several countries across the continent. I have never understood the logic behind treating suicide as a crime as it only deepens stigma and discourages individuals from seeking help. Decriminalization is a necessary step toward reframing suicide as a health issue that requires compassion as opposed to punishment.
Governments also need to increase their budget allocations for mental health. This way, counselors, community health workers and psychiatric services would be available and accessible to all in need. Partnership with faith leaders and NGOs is equally important, since these groups often hold the trust of local communities and can bridge the gap between policy and reality.
Finally, the role of data and research cannot be overlooked. In many countries, suicide remains invisible because accurate reporting is rare or at the very least, inconsistent. Without reliable information, governments cannot track progress or identify vulnerable populations.
Suicide prevention is about choosing life over and over again, relentlessly.
Africa has always been a continent of resilience and shared humanity. It is these same values that will fuel a continental shift toward compassion in mental health care.
The path forward is quite clear: to talk openly without fear and to invest fully in mental health while affirming the worth of every single life.
