National Suicide Prevention Policies

doi:10.1017/9781108963763.005

Chapter 4 - National Suicide Prevention Policies

from Section 1 - Suicide as a Public Health Problem

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 December 2025

Murad M. Khan

Edited by

Rob Poole ,

Murad M. Khan and

Catherine A. Robinson

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Rob Poole: Affiliation:
Bangor University
Murad M. Khan: Affiliation:
Aga Khan University
Catherine A. Robinson: Affiliation:
University of Manchester

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Summary

Suicide prevention requires a systematic approach to develop a framework that brings together different elements of a prevention strategy, including surveillance, mental health service access, restriction of lethal means, and public awareness campaigns. Originating with Finland's pioneering efforts in the 1980s, such strategies have since expanded worldwide, driven by the World Health Organization's call for action and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals. It is imperative that these programmes/strategies are evidence-based, informed by local research, continuously monitored and regularly evaluated for effectiveness. By developing suicide prevention programmes/strategies, governments around the world show their commitment to mitigating preventable deaths, underscoring the need for sustained funding, leadership, and research-driven implementation.

Keywords

national policy strategy suicide prevention evidence-based implementation evaluationz

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Preventing Suicide
An Evidence-Based Approach
, pp. 38 - 48

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108963763.005 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2026

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