For vulnerable individuals, social protection instils hope and empowers life

Hope is an integral part of suicide prevention and at-risk individuals need to be listened to and empowered. — 123rf.com

Every year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) marks Sept 10 as World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), focusing on the issue to reduce stigma and raise awareness among organisations, governments and the public. And each year, the message is singular: Suicides are preventable.

This year marks the 20th anniversary since WSPD was established in 2003 and the world still has a long way to go in its collective effort to prevent suicide.