INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION

The International Association for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to preventing suicide and suicidal behaviour and to alleviate its effects. IASP leads the global role in suicide prevention by strategically developing an effective forum that is proactive in creating strong collaborative partnerships and promoting evidence-based action in order to reduce the incidence of suicide and suicidal behaviour.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates approximately 800,000 people die due to suicide and that almost 80% of all global suicides occur in the low and middle-income countries LMIC. Among young adults aged 15-29 years suicide is ranked the second leading cause of death. For every suicide there are many more who attempt suicide or have serious suicidal ideation. Suicidal behaviour profoundly impacts families and communities with approximately 135 people affected by each suicide.

Pesticide self-poisoning is the most common means of suicide globally (approximately 20% of all suicides); hanging and firearms are also amongst the most common methods.

There is a lack of reliable and comprehensive information on suicide attempts, termed as non-fatal self-harm. In the absence of any globally standardised approach to case identification and data collection relating to episodes of non-fatal self-harm (whether or not medically treated), it is not possible to provide a valid estimate.

Four Key Strategic Themes form the core of the strategy over the next five years.

1. Strategic Central Role in Suicide Prevention – Global Action

Collaboration
Harnessing a strategic central role that is both proactive and reactive in empowering an effective forum on which evidenced based suicide prevention activities are promoted, implemented and evaluated.

Facilitation
Bringing together networks for the exchange of information and good practice worldwide.

Advocacy and Engagement
Guiding policy in the development of suicide prevention strategies and activities.


2. Communications – Global, Community and Organisational

Communication
Increase awareness of suicide and its prevention.

Dissemination
Transferring evidence-based research and practice into systematic knowledge, skills and experience at a global level.


3. Suicide Prevention Activities – Community Action

Innovation
Initiating suicide prevention activities that address specific needs.

Development
Pioneering suicide prevention activities where there is a lack of facilities or resources.


4. The Organisation

Organisational Infrastructure
Strengthening membership, expertise, networks and systems within the association in order to deliver professional services into the global community.

IASP is dedicated to preventing suicidal behaviour, to alleviate its effects and to provide a forum for academicians, mental health professionals, crisis workers, volunteers and people with lived experience.
IASP was founded in Austria in 1960 and was for many years a small organisation consisting mainly of academics and health professionals. In recent years IASP has evolved into a global association embracing associated organisations and individuals dedicated to suicide prevention.

IASP Key Strengths

• Offers access to expertise (experience, skills and knowledge).
• Strong connections into emerging global suicide prevention issues.
• An expanding global reach and networks.
• Offers diversity of experience knowledge and skills in the membership across disciplines.
• Strong commitment to collaboration and partnerships.

IASP has members in 77 countries of which only 22% are located in LMIC where suicide is most prevalent. Essential to increasing effective strategies in these countries will be the continuing development of stronger regional networks.

IASP President Professor Rory O’Connor’s Presidential Message November 2021
It was really encouraging to witness all of the global activities during September, for World Suicide Prevention Month. World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10th brought suicide to the forefront of global discussion, with world leaders including American President Joe Biden and the Prime Minister of Australia, Scott Morrison publicly pledging their commitment to reducing the toll of suicide in their respective countries. The theme ‘Creating Hope Through Action’ encouraged us to be the light for those who need help finding their way through the darkness; a principle which should extend well beyond WSPD. Those who took part in our annual Cycle around the Globe amassed an incredible 180,000km in honour of suicide prevention, an extremely impressive achievement.

We overcame all of the logistical obstacles presented to us in recent months to host the virtual IASP Gold Coast World Congress in late September 2021. This World Congress was the largest ever, demonstrating an advantage of utilising a virtual platform, thereby facilitating inclusivity for those who may not be in a position to travel across the world to attend in person.

The 10th IASP Asia Pacific Conference will take place in May 2022.We also welcome the announcement of the next World Congress which will be hosted in Slovenia.

World Mental Health Day (WMHD) was observed on October 10th under the theme ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’. This theme is particularly relevant given the exacerbation of mental healthcare inequality by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recent research findings suggest that those who have been disproportionally affected since the onset of the pandemic are individuals who already faced significant challenges, such as those living with pre-existing mental health conditions, those from a lower socio-economic background, or experiencing employment and/or financial related issues. Now more than ever, we need to ensure that high quality mental health and social care is a reality for everyone irrespective of background or country. We must address these gaps in healthcare provision, reach those not in contact with clinical services, while continuing to work towards the decriminalisation of suicidal behaviour in those countries where it remains a criminal offence. The latter is vital as this creates its own barrier by deterring vulnerable individuals from coming forward to receive care.

Looking towards the future, we leave this year a little more hopeful than the last. Every day presents a new opportunity to make advancements towards a more equal world for us all, in the context of public health, mental health and beyond. If we continue to work together, I’ve no doubt that we can drive progress towards ending this plight.