The Ministry of Health today joined the global community in observing World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.”

In a statement, the Ministry said Guyana has made significant strides in its fight to prevent suicide.

According to the Health Ministry, through bold legislative reforms, inclusive governance, and community-centered mental health initiatives, the Government has been actively rewriting the story of suicide prevention across the country.

“A major milestone was achieved in November 2022, when Guyana passed the Suicide Prevention Act, which decriminalised attempted suicide, a long overdue and compassionate step forward. Decriminalisation not only removed a legal barrier but helped reduce stigma, encouraged help-seeking, and aligned Guyana with the 2023 Bridgetown Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and Mental Health,” the Health Ministry said.

The Ministry’s statement said the progressive law establishes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, mandating the creation of a multi-sectoral National Suicide Prevention Commission. The Commission includes representation from health, education, legal, social, religious, Indigenous, and civil society sectors, ensuring a collaborative and sustainable framework for suicide prevention across the nation.

In April 2024, the Government further strengthened its efforts through the launch of the National Mental Health Action Plan and Suicide Prevention Plan 2024–2030, which outlines six strategic pillars, including: promoting mental health and suicide prevention education; expanding suicide prevention training; restricting access to means of suicide; strengthening suicide surveillance; increasing access to services across all Regions; and enhancing follow-up care for vulnerable individuals.

Between April and May 2024, in partnership with IDRF and supported by Global Affairs Canada, the Health Ministry trained 757 Gatekeepers across all 10 Regions to identify and respond to suicidal behaviour, enhancing early intervention and referral to mental health services.

Adding that Guyana made significant process this year, the Ministry of Health pointed to the launch of Guyana’s first 24/7 Toll-Free National Suicide Prevention Helpline – 915 in May.

This initiative provides confidential crisis intervention and comprehensive community mental health support.

Additionally, in May 2025, the Ministry, along with the Office of the President and SBM Offshore, launched the National Mental Health website, which is a digital platform offering information, self-help tools, service access, and community engagement as part of the “Kind to Your Mind” campaign.

The “Mental Health Matters” animated series was also introduced to educate children and adolescents on mental health in an engaging, age-appropriate format. These initiatives aim to improve mental health awareness, education, and support nationwide.

Meanwhile, in July, the Ministry launched the National Suicide Surveillance System, a digital platform providing real-time data to guide evidence-based interventions.

The Health Ministry said added to that, mental health services are now available at 81 Tele-medicine sites across Guyana, providing care to the most remote communities.

The efforts, it said, are already yielding results.

According to the Health Ministry, the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) has recognised Guyana’s significant decline in suicide rates in recent years and has commended the country’s integrated and compassionate approach to suicide prevention.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 915 – the National Suicide Prevention Helpline. Help is available 24/7.

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