Guyana Marks World Suicide Prevention Day With Renewed Commitment to Mental Health
Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News.
Guyana has joined the global community in observing World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”
The Ministry of Health said the theme challenges governments, institutions, families, and individuals to rethink how they address suicide and mental health in their communities.
A significant milestone came in November 2022 with the passage of the Suicide Prevention Act, which decriminalised attempted suicide — a compassionate step that reduced stigma, encouraged help-seeking, and aligned Guyana with international commitments like the 2023 Bridgetown Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health.
The Act also established the National Suicide Prevention Commission, bringing together stakeholders from health, education, legal, social, Indigenous, religious, and civil society sectors to coordinate nationwide prevention efforts.
In April 2024, the government launched the National Mental Health Action Plan and Suicide Prevention Plan (2024–2030), focusing on education, healthcare training, restricting access to means of suicide, strengthening follow-up care, and expanding services across regions.
Key initiatives include:
- Guyana launched its first 24/7 toll-free suicide prevention hotline (915) in May 2025.
- A new national mental health website and the “Mental Health Matters” animated series for children and adolescents under the “Kind to Your Mind” campaign.
- The National Suicide Surveillance System provides real-time data to guide interventions.
- Expanded mental health services are now available at 81 Telemedicine Sites, six regional hospitals, and 15 new primary care facilities.
According to the Ministry, these efforts are already showing progress. Suicide deaths fell from about 100 in 2023 to 40 between January and August 2024. The PAHO/WHO has commended Guyana’s integrated and compassionate approach.
As the nation observes World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ministry is urging all Guyanese to replace silence with understanding, stigma with compassion, and punishment with care. Those in crisis are reminded that help is available 24/7 via the National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 915.
