Each year on September 10th, World Suicide Prevention Day sparks important conversations and promotes suicide prevention efforts. This is especially crucial in conflict-affected regions like South Sudan, where instability and limited access to care worsen mental health challenges.
Aligned with the WHO’s 2024-2026 campaign, “Start the Conversation,” the day focuses on reducing stigma and fostering open discussions about suicide. This campaign promotes understanding and support—goals that closely reflect HealthNet TPO’s ongoing work in South Sudan.
The Situation in South Sudan
In South Sudan, suicide has become a growing public health concern, especially among the country’s younger population. In 2020 alone, South Sudan had the 13th highest rate of suicide in the world, with the majority involving individuals aged between 15 and 29 years. This statistic highlights the urgency of addressing mental health challenges in the country. Years of conflict, displacement, and trauma have taken a toll on the mental wellbeing of many South Sudanese, making it essential to provide support and resources.
A major obstacle to addressing suicide in South Sudan is the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Cultural perceptions often view suicide as a moral failing or as a hereditary sin, and families impacted by it may face social exclusion. This stigma discourages individuals from seeking help, leading to untreated mental health conditions and missed opportunities for intervention. The limited data available also makes it difficult to fully understand the scope of the problem, as many cases go unreported or misinterpreted due to the associated shame and cultural taboos.
HealthNet TPO’s Efforts in Suicide Prevention in South Sudan
HealthNet TPO is tackling suicide prevention in South Sudan through community engagement and awareness. Boniface Duku, HealthNet TPO Coordinator for the Leaders of Peace Programme in South Sudan, stresses that “creating awareness and mobilising community support is essential in preventing suicide.”
A key strategy that HealthNet TPO employs is community engagement, particularly through media outreach. In this regard, Boniface Duku participated in a podcast broadcasted on radio platforms like Eye Radio and Radio Miraya, which are powerful national tools for raising awareness. Through these channels, HealthNet TPO disseminates valuable information about mental health, including recognising the warning signs of suicide and offering advice on where to seek help.
“We aim to make mental health discussions part of everyday life, so people feel empowered to seek support when needed,” says Duku. These programmes create space for conversations within families and communities, fostering an environment where mental wellbeing is prioritised.
Beyond awareness, the organisation trains healthcare workers and community leaders to recognise mental health challenges early and offer appropriate care. HealthNet TPO’s work extends beyond individual interventions; it focuses on developing sustainable solutions that address the root causes of mental health struggles. “By working closely with families and community leaders, we’re creating support systems that encourage healthy relationships and teach coping skills,” Duku notes. This holistic approach seeks to change how mental health is perceived and managed across South Sudan.
Collaboration with the Government
In line with the WHO’s objective to prioritise mental health in policymaking, HealthNet TPO has been working closely with the South Sudanese government. Over the last year, the organisation has contributed to the national mental health strategic plan, ensuring that mental health services are integrated into the broader South Sudanese healthcare system. This integration makes mental health care accessible even in remote areas, further supporting the WHO’s goal to create lasting change through policy shifts.
By combining community outreach with national policy, HealthNet TPO addresses both immediate and long-term mental health challenges in South Sudan, aiming at long-lasting change.
