Mexico Launches Regional Suicide Prevention Initiative with PAHO

Mexico has officially joined the Pan American Health Organization’s (PAHO) Regional Initiative for Suicide Prevention. The effort, supported by technical and financial assistance from the World Health Organization (WHO), marks a new phase in the country’s public health strategy to address mental health challenges and reduce suicide rates.

The announcement was made by Francisco Gutiérrez, Head, National Commission on Mental Health and Addictions (CONASAMA), during a formal event marking the start of the initiative's implementation in Mexico. As part of the program, CONASAMA presented the updated National Program for Suicide Prevention (PRONAPS), which will be strengthened through the regional framework.

“This is an important opportunity to reframe and reinforce the national suicide prevention program with technical support from PAHO,” says Gutiérrez. Initial activities will include a comprehensive review of the national context and current strategies, aligning them with the broader regional objectives set by PAHO.

The initiative will focus on three key areas: updating and strengthening PRONAPS, improving access to quality mental health services, and increasing public awareness while reducing stigma associated with suicide. As part of this last component, the government will intensify its national campaign, Dale Color a tu Vida, which encourages community engagement and education on suicide prevention.

Mexico is one of three countries selected to implement the initiative, alongside Guyana and Brazil. According to José Moya, Representative in Mexico, PAHO/WHO, the program is scheduled to run for three years. During this period, PAHO will provide specialized technical cooperation to support high-impact prevention measures across the country.

Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among individuals between 15 and 29 years old worldwide, reports the World Health Organization (WHO). In Mexico, 8,837 suicides were recorded in 2023, accounting for 1.1% of all registered deaths, reports INEGI. Suicide was the 19th leading cause of death nationwide, with a rate of 6.8 per 100,000 inhabitants.

Warning signs of suicidal behavior include social withdrawal, changes in appearance, and poor academic performance, reports Mexico’s National Institute of Public Health. Risk factors include family conflict, poverty, substance use, mental disorders, self-harm, or a family history of suicide.