UNICEF Suriname Calls for Urgent Action on Mental Health for Youth

Paramaribo, September 10, 2024– UNICEF Suriname is sounding the alarm on the urgent need for action to address mental health challenges faced by children and adolescents in Suriname. Today, we mark World Suicide Prevention Day, under the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide”. Sadly, suicide is a leading cause of death among young people globally; and in Suriname, the situation is no different. UNICEF Suriname reaffirms its commitment to promoting mental health awareness, supporting preventive measures, and fostering environments where young people feel supported and heard.

Suriname ranks 6th place globally on suicide rates. According to UNICEF’s national mental health study, 36% of adolescents struggle with suicidal thoughts.

"Young people are facing immense pressure today, from academic stress and social media to family challenges and community dynamics. These can lead to anxiety, depression, and in extreme cases, thoughts of suicide," said Nicolas Pron, UNICEF Suriname, and Guyana Representative.  "UNICEF has been supporting the government since 2020 to ensure improved mental health for young people, but more must be done. “We must act now to break the stigma around mental health and provide young people with the tools they need to cope."

UNICEF Suriname together with the Government and private sector partners has been working on expanding mental health programming cross the country, including targeted interventions in the district of Nickerie. As part of a broader strategy to improve the mental well-being of children and adolescents, UNICEF aims to provide vital support to youth facing emotional and psychological challenges. 

Key Actions by UNICEF Suriname:

• Strengthening Mental Health Programs in Schools:  UNICEF Suriname is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to expand mental health programs in schools, providing resources to teachers, counselors, and students to recognize early warning signs of emotional distress and encourage timely interventions. The “kenki denki” series are part of this program to bring challenges related to mental health closer to the public.
• Promoting Peer Support Initiatives: Recognizing the importance of peer relationships, UNICEF Suriname has launched youth-led initiatives that empower adolescents to support one another. These initiatives include safe spaces for young people to openly discuss their struggles, share coping strategies, and foster a sense of community.  
• Raising Awareness: Through digital and traditional media campaigns, partnerships with companies such as Telesur and working with the First lady of Suriname, a prominent mental health advocate; UNICEF Suriname has been working to break the taboo around mental health and to encourage young people to seek help without fear of judgment. Interventions such as the ‘Hoe we ons voelen” TV program launched in 2020, and the #mentalhealthmatterscampaign launched in May 2024 -which included the distribution of awareness posters in schools and awareness videos’ specifically targeting youth- are all part of Suriname’s efforts to bring mental health conversations closer to young people. 

• Systems Strengthening and Access to Mental Health Services: UNICEF Suriname is working with the Ministry of Health and partners to expand access to professional mental health services across the country especially for young people. Free counselling services for young people are being offered by the MOB, while frontliners, teachers, and key members of the community are being trained for early detection of suicidality.  UNICEF will continue advocating for mental health integration into primary healthcare, ensuring that young people and families can access support in their communities without delay.

   

  Call to Action:

  On this World Suicide Prevention Day, UNICEF Suriname urges all sectors of society—families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers—to prioritize the mental well-being of children and adolescents. Positive mental health means better life outcomes for children.

  To achieve this, UNICEF is calling for:

• Investment for all: Greater and better investment in mental health and psychosocial support services for all children, adolescents, and families.
• Promotion and prevention in the family: Support for families through programmes that promote positive parenting and nurturing caregiving, and support caregiver well-being and mental health.
• Response in the school and community: Ensuring that all children and adolescents learn and interact in safe and secure environments with supportive relationships and access to mental health services for all who need them.

• Changing the public conversation: Changing the narrative and public perception on mental health and mental ill-health, and related issues of abuse and neglect.

   

  "Suicide is preventable, but we must act now," Pron added. "Every child and young person have the right to grow up in a world where their mental health is protected and nurtured."