‘Reform country’s approach to suicide, mental health’

DAR ES SALAAM: AS dawn broke across Tanzania this morning, the nation joins the world in observing World Suicide Prevention Day, amplifying the urgent need for change.

This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” calls for a shift from criminalisation to compassion, urging reforms in how the country addresses suicide and mental health.

Dr Michelle Chapa, CEO and Founder of the Michelle Chapa Foundation, delivered a stirring address highlighting the critical need to reform the country’s approach to suicide and mental health.

Her message was a clarion call for transformation.

“On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us join together to advocate for change. Let us work towards a future where mental health is prioritised, stigma is dismantled and individuals in crisis receive the support they need,” she said.

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Dr Chapa criticised the country’s legal framework surrounding suicide, which remains draconian and deeply entrenched in stigma. Under Penal Code 216 and 217, individuals who attempt or assist in a suicide face severe penalty, including life imprisonment. She argued that this punitive approach not only criminalises individuals at their most vulnerable but also reinforces a culture of silence and fear surrounding mental health issues.

“Our current laws are not just outdated; they perpetuate stigma, create barriers to seeking help and ultimately prevent individuals from receiving the support they need,” Dr Chapa said.

She pointed out that fear of legal repercussions discourages individuals from reaching out for help or discussing their struggles openly, exacerbating isolation and suffering.

Dr Chapa emphasised that by labelling suicide as a criminal act, society is effectively criminalising the pain and suffering of those who need support the most.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has long advocated for the decriminalisation of suicide, highlighting its importance in improving mental health outcomes and reducing stigma.

Citing examples of countries that have seen positive changes after decriminalising suicide, Dr Chapa mentioned the United Kingdom, which did so in 1961 and Sri Lanka, which experienced a notable reduction in suicide rates following decriminalisation in 1996. These cases demonstrate the benefits of removing the criminal label.

Dr Chapa’s call for change includes several key initiatives aimed at transforming the nation’s approach to mental health.

These initiatives involve legal reforms accompanied by comprehensive improvements to mental health care, such as increasing the availability of services, especially in rural and underserved areas and integrating mental health care into primary health systems.

“Policy reform is essential, but it must be part of a broader strategy to enhance mental health support across the country,” she stressed.

She also highlighted the importance of public awareness and education in changing societal attitudes towards mental health. Many people still hold misconceptions about mental illness, viewing it as a weakness or moral failing.

Additionally, Dr Chapa called for the creation of supportive environments in various settings, including schools, workplaces and religious institutions, to foster a more compassionate approach to mental health and suicide prevention.