On September 10, 2025, the Ministry of Health joins the global community in observance of World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 under the theme: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” This theme challenges us all, governments, institutions, families, and individuals, to reframe how we speak about, respond to, and address suicide in our communities.
In Guyana, this transformation is already well underway. Through bold legislative reforms, inclusive governance, and community-centred mental health initiatives, we are 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.
This progressive law establishes a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach, mandating the creation of a multi-sectoral National Suicide Prevention Commission. This 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 these 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 at all levels of healthcare
- Restricting access to means of suicide
- Strengthening suicide surveillance
- Increasing access to services across all Regions
- Enhancing follow-up care for vulnerable individuals
Additionally, significant progress has been made in 2025 thus far. This includes the symbolic 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.
Between April and May 2024, in partnership with IDRF and supported by Global Affairs Canada we trained 757 Gatekeepers across all 10 regions to identify and respond to suicidal behaviour, enhancing early intervention and referral to mental health services.
In May 2025, the Ministry, along with the Office of the President and SBM Offshore, launched the National Mental Health Website, a digital platform offering information, self-help tools, service access, and community engagement as part of the “Kind to Your Mind” campaign. Additionally, the “Mental Health Matters” animated series was 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.
Moreover, mental health services are now available at 81 Telemedicine Sites across Guyana, bringing care to our most remote communities.
Six modern Regional Hospitals and 15 new primary care facilities have been equipped to deliver mental health services, expanding access for thousands more Guyanese.
These efforts are already yielding results. 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 our integrated and compassionate approach to suicide prevention.
As we observe World Suicide Prevention Day, we urge every Guyanese to be part of this national movement. We all have a role to play in changing the narrative, by replacing silence with understanding, stigma with compassion, and punishment with care.
Let us continue to work together towards a Guyana where mental health is protected, help is always available, and every life is valued.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 915 – the National Suicide Prevention Helpline. Help is available 24/7.
