Every year, 200 000 people intentionally take their own lives in the Western Pacific Region, accounting for 25% of global suicides. Over 75% of all suicides in the region occur in low- and middle-income countries. Risk factors contributing to suicidal thought or behaviour include previous suicide attempts, harmful use of alcohol and mental disorders. However, many suicides are impulsive in moments of crisis where their ability to deal with financial loss, chronic illness and other life’s stresses breaks down.

Suicide can be prevented by:

• Creating a national response to suicide prevention, including a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy;

• Restricting access to pesticides, firearms, certain medications and other means of suicide;

• Incorporating suicide prevention as a core component of health-care services; and

• Mobilizing communities to provide support to vulnerable individuals, overcome stigma, engage in follow-up care and support those bereaved by suicide