In 2019, approximately 703 000 people died due to suicide globally, and one out of four of these deaths occurred in the Western Pacific Region. Suicide is a major public health issue across a wide range of settings from highly developed to small Pacific island countries and areas (PICs). Suicide rates in some countries in the Western Pacific are among the highest in the world. The risk of suicide is particularly concerning among young people in PICs. For every death due to suicide, there can be 20 times as many suicide attempts, creating lasting impacts among families and loved ones as well.

However, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multisectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed. LIVE LIFE, WHO’s approach to suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions:
• limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications);
• interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide;
• foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents;
• early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours.

Lack of data due to absent or poor-quality information systems further contributes to the problem. Reliable suicide mortality statistics are currently only available in high-income countries in the Region. Australia, Japan and the Republic of Korea maintain national hospital-based registries. For low- and middle-income countries and areas (LMICs), suicide mortality is usually estimated through statistical modelling where data are available. As for suicide attempts and self-harm, only Australia has a dedicated self-harm monitoring system that collects data at the level of the emergency department.