ASPA
Africa Suicide Prevention Association
United Against Suicide: Advocacy, Research, and Community Action
ASPA is a pan-African coalition of individuals, organizations, and experts working collaboratively to prevent suicide across the continent. We promote culturally informed approaches, regional capacity-building, policy change, and support services to save lives and restore hope.
Changing the Narrative
ASPA's official statement calls for transforming how we speak, think, and act about suicide across Africa.
From stigma
to understanding
From punishment
to care
From silence
to hope
🚨 Critical Statistics
Africa carries the highest suicide rates in the world — 11.2 per 100,000 people. Our young people, who make up nearly 70% of the continent's population, are among the most affected.
🟣 CALLING ALL ASPA MEMBERS!
What are you doing for World Suicide Prevention Week (10 September 2025)?
As part of our continental movement for suicide prevention, ASPA will be spotlighting the amazing work being done by its members across Africa this World Suicide Prevention week.
Whether you're organizing a community walk, planning a radio talk, hosting a youth dialogue, hosting a Webinar or running a social media campaign — we want to hear about it!
📌 Let us know your plans here:
🔁 We'll promote your work, amplify your voice, and map out suicide prevention efforts across the continent.
🟡 Deadline: 20th August, 2025
🟪 Hashtags: #CreatingHopeTogether | #WSPD2025 | #ASPAAfrica
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates more than 700,000 people die by suicide each year worldwide, with over 77% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). WHO reports Africa has the highest regional suicide rate in the world, with an estimated 11.2 suicides per 100,000 people, far exceeding the global average of 9.0.
Global suicide deaths annually
Deaths in low- and middle-income countries
Africa's suicide rate per 100,000 people
About Us
Who We Are
The Africa Suicide Prevention Association (ASPA) is a continental network dedicated to reducing suicide rates through research, education, policy advocacy, and community-based support systems. We represent voices from across East, West, Central, Southern, and North Africa.
Vision
A suicide-free Africa where every individual has access to hope, support, and dignity.
Mission
To build a collaborative, evidence-based, and culturally responsive suicide prevention ecosystem across Africa through advocacy, research, capacity building, and innovation.
Core Values
Compassion
Inclusivity
Evidence-driven
Collaboration
Our Work
Key Focus Areas
- • Decriminalization of suicide
- • National and regional suicide prevention strategies
- • Legislative engagement
- • Local suicide prevention programs
- • Survivor-led initiatives
- • Awareness campaigns
- • Training for health workers
- • Religious leader education
- • Academic partnerships
- • Monitoring suicide trends
- • Regional studies collaboration
- • Indigenous knowledge promotion
- • Peer-to-peer mental health education
- • Adolescent suicide awareness
- • School-based interventions
- • Regional coordination
- • Cross-border collaboration
- • Knowledge sharing
Our Team
International Executives
Continental leadership and strategic direction
Regional Coordinators
East, West, Central, Southern, and North Africa
Country Coordinators
National program implementation
Advisors
Expert guidance and consultation
Partners & Collaborators
Working together with organizations across Africa to prevent suicide and promote mental health
Prorosy Therapeutic Healthcare
Amagara Outreach Uganda
Transforming Lives
Afya Care Foundation
NASM-AFRIQUE
The Flourish Foundation
Miwani Social Justice Centre
Love & Relationship Therapy
Seize the Light Foundation
UNIMAC Cameroon
Mental Health & Wellness Kenya
REPOSAMS Senegal
Addis Ababa University
JEPH Consultants Co Ltd
CareConnectRise
Empower Youth Africa Foundation
Safe Space Arena
PsychoAfrica Solutions
PPSC - Pathway To Psychological Support Care
Flourish Mental Health Consultancy
Mental Health Fellowship
iFix Initiative
Pairs to Glory
Endeleo Counselling Therapy
Consortium for Counselling Uganda
Serene Mind Care
PCREP - Community Restoration Program
Suicide Prevention Group
WHO Africa Region
EAAD
The Connect Hut
Africa Project Against Suicide
Resources
Showcases lessons and strategies from countries that have advanced reform, featuring case studies from Ghana, Pakistan, and the Caribbean.
Download Guide (PDF)Learn MoreTowards Care, Not Punishment
A Practical Guide for Advocates on Suicide Decriminalisation
About This Guide
This practical resource showcases lessons and strategies from countries that have already advanced reform, as well as those still working to achieve it. Featuring case studies from Ghana, Pakistan, and members of the Caribbean Suicide Decriminalisation Coalition, the guide highlights how multi-stakeholder advocacy can make change possible.
Why Decriminalisation Matters
Every year, around 727,000 people die by suicide, with 73% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Criminalising suicide only deepens the problem: it deters people in crisis from seeking help, fuels stigma, and blocks access to life-saving support.
What's Inside the Guide
Case Studies
From Pakistan, Ghana, and the Caribbean, showing how advocates successfully advanced decriminalisation.
Practical Tools
For engaging media, amplifying lived experiences, and building parliamentary support.
Pathways to Change
Guidance on legislative and judicial routes to achieve reform.
Communication Strategies
Language and framing recommendations for policymakers, media, and communities.
The Global Challenge
Annual suicide deaths globally
Deaths in low- and middle-income countries
Projected decline by 2030 at current pace
The WHO identifies decriminalisation as a critical step governments can take to strengthen national suicide prevention efforts and move closer to global health goals.
Be Part of the Change
This guide is designed to inform, support, and inspire advocates and policymakers around the world to push for laws and policies that prioritise care over punishment.
Events & Campaigns
Join us for a day of awareness, education, and community action across Africa.
Regular training sessions for healthcare workers, community leaders, and volunteers.
Bringing together experts, policymakers, and communities for collaborative action.
Grassroots initiatives to reach communities across the continent.
News & Updates
ASPA partners with leading African universities to expand research initiatives...
Community-based prevention program shows promising results in reducing suicide rates...
How one survivor became a leading advocate for mental health awareness...
Stay Updated
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates
Need Help Right Now?
If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. You are not alone.
24/7 support available across Africa
Immediate professional assistance
Remember:
Crisis situations are temporary. With proper support and treatment, people can and do recover. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Get Involved
Join our mission to prevent suicide across Africa
Volunteer
Contribute your time and skills
Fundraise
Organize events for our cause
Donate
Support our programs financially
Contact Us
aspaafrica@gmail.com
Phone
+2203249852
Address
Banjul, The Gambia