In a compelling plea for mental health reform, Stuart Raymond Kasule, a 29-year-old suicide prevention trainer and mental health advocate based in Australia, urges Uganda’s Ministry of Health to prioritize the implementation of effective suicide intervention and prevention models. Addressing the press in Kampala, Kasule emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness campaigns that confront the issue without perpetuating stigma.
Uganda’s current suicide ranking, 17th globally with 18.67 per 100,000 deaths attributed to suicide, underscores the urgency of Kasule’s call. He highlights the necessity of training healthcare professionals to identify and respond to mental health and suicide issues appropriately. Kasule urges the Ministry of Health to actively support safe talks and awareness initiatives in public spaces and schools, empowering people with the knowledge to combat stigma effectively.
Citing alarming statistics from the World Health Organization’s global suicide report, Kasule stresses that one person dies by suicide every 40 seconds, making it a leading cause of death, particularly among the youth. He recommends adopting suicide intervention and prevention models from Living Works Australia, endorsed by the World Health Organization, with an emphasis on adapting them to Uganda’s local and cultural context.
Dr. Hafsa Lukwata, head of the mental health division at the Ministry of Health, expresses support for the decriminalization of suicide, ensuring victims can access essential services without fear of legal consequences. Kasule’s appeal aligns with the broader call for practical mental health models at all levels, from households to the national stage, to effectively address the challenges faced by those dealing with mental health issues.
Andrew Kyamagero, a prominent male activist, emphasizes the critical need for comprehensive data to understand the extent of mental health challenges in Uganda. He calls for the integration of mental health discussions into community health strategies, ensuring health workers are equipped to address mental health and suicide issues effectively at all levels of the healthcare system. Kyamagero underscores the importance of scaling mental health initiatives to reach all segments of society.
