Web desk: As September brings global attention to suicide prevention, health organisations are urging greater awareness, open conversations and stronger support for people at risk.

September is a key month for raising awareness about suicide prevention, with World Suicide Prevention Day observed annually on 10 September. The 2024–2026 global campaign, led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), carries the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide”.

The campaign seeks to challenge harmful myths and stigma surrounding suicide while encouraging people to speak openly and compassionately about distress and seek support. WHO stresses that suicide is preventable and that effective interventions can reduce the risk.

Globally, more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year, according to the latest WHO figures. In 2021, an estimated 727,000 people died by suicide worldwide, with 73 per cent of deaths occurring in low and middle income countries. Suicide was also the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29 that year.

WHO estimates that for every person who dies by suicide, there are likely to be more than 20 others who attempt suicide, although the ratio varies considerably between countries, age groups and other factors. The organisation also identifies previous suicide attempts as an important risk factor.

The global figures also highlight the importance of prevention beyond clinical care. WHO identifies a range of contributing factors, including social isolation, relationship difficulties, financial problems, violence, abuse, chronic illness and other circumstances that can contribute to moments of crisis. Stigma can further discourage people from seeking help.

Pakistan faces an additional challenge: reliable data on suicide and self harm remain difficult to establish. WHO notes that accurate and timely registration is essential for understanding the scale of the problem and designing effective interventions. Weak reporting systems can leave cases under recorded and make it harder for policymakers to identify vulnerable groups and allocate resources.

There have, however, been important policy developments in Pakistan. The country decriminalised suicide and suicide attempts in 2022, a reform WHO has highlighted as an important step towards treating suicide as a public health issue rather than a criminal matter. The change has also supported efforts to improve reporting and provide more appropriate support to people who survive suicide attempts.

For Pakistan, prevention therefore requires more than awareness campaigns. Better data collection, accessible mental health services, trained first responders, responsible media reporting and stronger community support are essential to identifying people at risk and connecting them with help.

September’s message is ultimately about moving the conversation from silence and stigma towards early intervention, empathy and support. As WHO emphasises, every suicide is preventable, making timely support and stronger prevention systems a public health priority.