Innovating Suicide Prevention and Response Strategies in Primary Healthcare Setting in Nepal

October 5, 2024 -

Suicide is a pressing global health issue, and South Asia, in particular, faces some of the highest rates. In response to this issue, we are conducting this important research aimed at improving suicide prevention efforts in primary healthcare settings in Nepal. In collaboration with Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital, Yale University, and local municipalities in Dolakha, Possible is committed to finding innovative ways to strengthen mental health support within the community.

Our approach focuses on engaging healthcare providers and local community health workers and community members to identify challenges and tailor effective solutions to build an ecosystem for early suicide detection, prevention and response, called ‘PSuPP’. We plan to co-design and test a new, comprehensive suicide prevention strategies designed to enhance the existing mental health resources available in the community. This initiative, funded by the NIH, will be evaluated through a well-structured 3 years pilot implementation research trial in Dolakha.

Our ultimate goal is to improve how suicides are detected, managed, and followed up on in primary healthcare and community settings. We believe our findings will not only benefit Nepal but also provide valuable insights for other resource-limited regions like Nepal around the world.

Stay tuned for updates as we work to innovate and pilot test suicide prevention, detection and response strategies, and enhance mental health services!