WHO releases first global report on suicide

Written by: Seeta Bhardwa | Published: 15 September 2014

Breakdown of survey figures

One person dies from suicide every 40 seconds according to WHO's first global report on suicide prevention. This equates to more than 800,000 people globally every year.

Globally suicide rates are the highest in people aged 70 years and over. However, suicide is also the second leading cause of death in 15 to 29 year olds globally.
'This report is a call for action to address a large public health problem which has been shrouded in taboo for far too long,' said Dr Margaret Chan, director-general of WHO.

Currently only 28 countries are known to have national suicide prevention strategies including the UK.

World Suicide prevention Day was on 10 September.

For an in-depth look at nurses and their involvement in suicide prevention Read this issues news focus

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