LibyaPolitics

Libya has 6th highest suicide rate in Middle East: WHO

Libya ranked sixth in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) with an average suicide rate of 5.2 persons per 100,000 populations, according to the World Health Organization’s annual report issued recently.

There were an estimated 800,000 suicide deaths worldwide in 2018, marking the second leading cause of death among 15–29 year old people globally.

Suicide does not just occur in high-income countries, but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, over 79 percent of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries.

Yemen topped the MENA suicide rates with 8.5 persons per 100,000 inhabitants, followed by Sudan and Djibouti.

While the link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of conflict, disaster, violence, abuse, or loss and a sense of isolation.

Suicide rates are also high amongst vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees, migrants, and prisoners.

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