In the run up to this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day (Weds Sep10), Griffith’s Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention (AISRAP),a World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, has become a major contributor to the World Health Organization (WHO) first World Suicide Report.
The World Suicide Report is the most comprehensive, up-to-date record of the current status of suicide prevention internationally and outlines the epidemiology of suicide; discusses the major risk and protection factors; describes the main international prevention strategies and makes recommendations about suicide prevention activities.
The report follows the adoption of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 by the World Health Assembly, which commits all 194 member states to reducing their suicide rates by 10% by 2020.
“The fact that now for the first time, we have a World Suicide Report, is a clear indicator that suicide is now high on the agenda of the WHO and underlines its importance to many other organisations around the world,” says AISRAP director Professor Diego De Leo, who has written the Report’s chapter ‘The way forward’. “Mental health disorders are a major risk factor for suicide but this is not the only issue.
Suicide is complex with psychological, social, biological, cultural and environmental factors often involved. “This World Suicide Report aims to provide lessons for governments in countries where suicide prevention has not yet become a priority on the policy agenda and also provides guidance for clinical and non-clinical services about potentially useful interventions. “In this sense, the World Suicide Report reflects the connectedness theme of World Suicide Prevention Day at all levels,” says Professor De Leo.
“WHO and AISRAP are to be commended for developing this invaluable resource,” said Suicide Prevention Australia CEO and Convenor of the National Coalition for Suicide Prevention, Sue Murray. “The World Suicide Report has laid the foundation for us to assess Australia’s progress in suicide prevention. We now encourage vigorous national debate on how we can build on our strengths and address areas that require urgent attention.”
‘Suicide Prevention: One World Connected’ is the theme of this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day. This year’s Community Day Forum hosted by AISRAP, a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Suicide Prevention, is being held at the Greek Club in Brisbane and will feature a range of speakers including The Hon. Lawrence Springborg, QLD Minister for Health, Dr Lesley van Schoubroeck, Qld Commissioner for Mental Health as well as speakers from AISRAP and organisations such as Queensland State Coroner’s Office, Lifeline Research Foundation and Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.
EVENT DETAILS
WHAT: World Suicide Prevention Day Community Forum hosted by Griffith’s Australian Institute for Suicide Prevention and Research. WHEN: Wednesday September 10. Registration 8am, concluding 4.45pm, with a ‘Get Connected’ Networking function from 5.30-7pm. WHERE: The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane, 4101. COST: $45 for the whole day forum. ‘Get Connected’ Networking function additional $10 registration. REGISTRATIONS: Visit http://goo.gl/IEGlBb