Global Suicide Rates Remain a Concern, with Young People in LMICs Most Affected

Strategic Insights -

Young people across the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are disproportionately affected by suicide, accounting for more than one in every 100 deaths globally. According to a recent report, an estimated 727,000 people lost their lives to suicide in 2021, with a global age-standardized suicide rate of 8.9 per 100,000. Despite a 35% decrease in the age-standardised suicide rate from 2000 to 2021, the issue remains a pressing concern, with males experiencing more deaths than females from suicide, and nearly three-quarters of all suicides occurring in LMICs.

Key Takeaways:

  • More than 1 in every 100 deaths globally is due to suicide, with an estimated 727,000 people losing their lives to suicide in 2021.
  • The global age-standardized suicide rate dropped by 35% from 2000 to 2021.
  • Males experience more deaths than females from suicide, with over twice as many males dying by suicide than women.
  • Nearly three-quarters (73%) of all suicides occur in LMICs, where most of the world's population resides.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for accelerated suicide reduction plans to meet the Sustainable Development Goal target of a one-third reduction by 2030.
  • The WHO urges countries to triple their efforts in reducing suicide mortality, increasing the annual average reduction from 1% to 3%.
  • The global suicide rate varies significantly across countries, ranging from fewer than one death by suicide per 100,000 to more than 30 per 100,000.
  • In WHO's Region of the Americas, the suicide rate increased by 17% from 2000 to 2021, while decreases were seen in other regions, ranging from 48% in the European Region to 50% in the Western Pacific Region.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 727,000 people lost their lives to suicide in 2021.
  • Global age-standardized suicide rate: 8.9 per 100,000 in 2021.
  • 35% decrease in the age-standardised suicide rate from 2000 to 2021.
  • Males experience more deaths than females from suicide, with over twice as many males dying by suicide than women.
  • 73% of all suicides occur in LMICs.
  • WHO's call to accelerate suicide reduction plans by 2030.
  • Annual average reduction target: from 1% to 3%.
  • Increase in WHO's Region of the Americas: 17% (2000-2021).
  • Decreases in other regions:

+ WHO's African Region: 3% (2000-2021).

+ WHO's South-East Asian Region: 26% (2000-2021).

+ WHO's Eastern Mediterranean Region: 30% (2000-2021).

+ WHO's European Region: 48% (2000-2021).

+ WHO's Western Pacific Region: 50% (2000-2021).

Sources:

  • Global Health Estimates report.
  • World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Sustainable Development Goal target for reducing suicide mortality.
  • World Health Organization (WHO) Region reports (African, South-East Asian, Eastern Mediterranean, European, Western Pacific, and Americas).