Latest update January 1st, 2025 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Health Ministry trains peer educators to deal with suicide

Sep 22, 2009 News

The Ministry of Health is currently in the process of training 25 peer educators to be adequately fit to deal with suicide prevention, while 27 health care workers are also undergoing training to be stationed at youth friendly health centres.

This is according to Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy, who noted that during the training sessions, the peer educators and health care workers will be discussing suicide prevention, counseling of people, domestic violence and the use of alcohol, while they will also be trained to recognise depression in people.

According to Minister Ramsammy, while he does not have the figures, Berbice has reported a reduced number of suicides for the year, so far. However, this is not the same for the East Bank and East Coast Demerara, where there has been a reported increase in the number of cases.

Recently, a Regional Suicide Prevention workshop was held by the Ministry of Health at the Pegasus Hotel. The aim was to develop greater awareness of the problem among health professionals and civil society.

For the past six to seven years, the Health Ministry has identified suicide prevention as a priority public health issue, since it was recognised that it is an important contributor to premature death in Guyana.

In this regard, the Ministry treats suicide as a major public health issue, and has improved the reporting data base on the issue.

In the 1980’s, it was estimated that between 30 per cent and 50 per cent of suicides in Guyana were unreported as the information system was poor.

There was also the stigma attached to those who attempted suicide.

Today, Minister Ramsammy is confident that there is 100 per cent reporting of all suicide deaths.

The Health Ministry has commenced a ‘follow back’ strategy, which has been successfully used in some countries that have the world’s highest suicide rates.

This strategy looks at the life of a person who attempts suicide and their experiences over the years. It also examines the family and the community in which they live.

According to Dr. Ramsammy, if this is done, then the Ministry will be able to establish a profile for the person that attempted suicide.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional boxing

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional...

Dec 31, 2024

By Rawle Toney Kaieteur Sports- In the rich tapestry of Guyanese sports, few names shine as brightly as Keevin Allicock. A prodigious talent with the rare blend of skill, charisma, and grit, Allicock...
Read More
Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for 2025 CWI Regional Four-Day Tournament

Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for...

Dec 31, 2024

The business end has arrived, a place in the final is at stake tomorrow night

The business end has arrived, a place in the...

Dec 31, 2024

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project...

Dec 31, 2024

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind Drakes 5 goal spree, Botafago humble Capital Fc 8-3

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind...

Dec 31, 2024

Dharry reigns supreme with second-round KO against Ramirez

Dharry reigns supreme with second-round KO...

Dec 30, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]