ASPA Statement on World Suicide Prevention Day 2025
Theme: Changing the Narrative
From stigma to understanding. From punishment to care. From silence to hope.
Today, on World Suicide Prevention Day, the Africa Suicide Prevention Association (ASPA) stands together with Members, partners, advocates, and communities across the continent and the globe to remember those we have lost, support survivors, and strengthen our collective resolve to save lives.
Africa carries the highest suicide rates in the world — 11.2 per 100,000 people (WHO). Our young people, who make up nearly 70% of the continent's population, are among the most affected. Yet too often, silence, stigma, and criminalization stand in the way of care, compassion, and prevention.
Changing the Narrative
This year's theme, "Changing the Narrative", calls us to transform how we speak, think, and act about suicide:
From stigma
to understanding
From punishment
to care
From silence
to hope
Download the Complete Statement
Get the full ASPA Statement on World Suicide Prevention Day 2025 as a PDF document for sharing and reference.
Download PDF StatementASPA's Continental Movement
Leading change across Africa
Advocate for Decriminalization
Working to decriminalize suicide in all African countries, removing legal barriers that prevent people from seeking help.
Promote Ethical Reporting
Ensuring responsible media coverage that reduces stigma and provides hope rather than sensationalizing suicide.
Strengthen Survivor Advocacy
Amplifying lived experiences and empowering survivors to share their stories and lead prevention efforts.
Youth-Focused Prevention
Investing in prevention efforts specifically designed for young people across the continent.
Our Call to Action
Together, we can change the narrative and save lives across Africa
To Governments
- Adapt comprehensive suicide prevention strategies
- Decriminalize suicide across all African countries
- Invest significantly in mental health care infrastructure
To Civil Society & Communities
Recognize suicide as a public health and human rights issue, not a crime or a taboo.
Every African deserves access to mental health care, compassion in crisis, and the hope of a brighter tomorrow.