September 10,2022: According to the World Health Organization (2021), more than 800,000 people commit suicide worldwide every year, and the majority, 77%, occur in low-and middle-income countries.

In Rwanda, suicide causes about 9.5 deaths per 100,000 persons per year, and men are at a higher risk with the ratio of men to women being 3:1 (WHO, 2021).

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in the 15-29 years old population (WHO, 2021). For every suicide, there are likely 20 others who attempt suicide and many more who have serious suicidal thoughts (WHO, 2022).  ​​

Nevertheless, suicidal death is a public health concern with societal and psychological consequences which extend beyond these figures, with close family and friends bearing the brunt of the burden, hence raising awareness, combating the stigma associated with suicide and encouraging well-informed action can help reduce suicides around the world (WHO, 2022).

Running under the annual theme,” There is Hope after a diagnosis of a mental illness. Let’s seek care!”, the annual Suicide Prevention Awareness in 2023 is September.

The particular case of Mental health in Rwanda is often stirred up by the country’s historical background, especially the consequences of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, domestic conflicts, sexual abuse and effects of Covid-19 among the main causes of mental health disorders in Rwanda.

The Ministry of Health in 2018 published a research (RMHS,2018) that indicated one out of five people between the ages of 14-65 have at least one mental health issue.

The prevalent mental health issue is depression which has attacked one out of ten people of ages 14-65.

The intensity of mental health issues is affecting survivors of the genocide against the Tutsi three times more than the rest.