Mexico - Technical support to Yucatán for developing suicide prevention plan

Mexico - Technical support to Yucatán for developing suicide prevention plan

Mérida, March 21-23. - The Governor of Yucatán, Mr. Rolando Zapata Bello, officially inaugurated the "Live happy, live healthily" campaign for good mental health,marking the beginning of a workshop for the elaboration of the State's "Suicide prevention and management strategic plan."PAHO/WHO Office in Mexico was represented by Dr. Enrique Gil.According to figures from the State's Death System, suicide in Yucatán has increased significantly during the last 13 years.

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Forty institutions that make up the Interinstitutional Mental Health Board participated in the workshop, along with other government agencies, universities, professional associations and representatives from various civil society groups, including gang coordinators in the city's southern area. Dr. Claudina Cayetano, Regional Advisor on Mental Health, presented PAHO's suicide prevention approach.

Dr. Manuel José Ruiz Mendoza, Mental Health Deputy Director of Yucatán's Health Services, described the situation of suicide locally and presented the results of a study conducted by the institution in 2016.He emphasized that most of the deaths by suicide were men and that the most common method used was hanging.He also pointed out that suicide precipitating factors were alcohol in 70% of male suicides, and relationship problems, among women.Mérida City occupied the first place in suicide frequency in Yucatán.

At intersectoral discussion groups, participants agreed on the priority lines for the State´s "Suicide prevention and management strategic plan."