NEWS

Proper Recording Needed For Suicide Cases

Right now our interventions are based on global evidence, but if we go down into the communities there would be different needs in the community. This is what we will need to tackle with targeted interventions that can only be brought about if we have a database to support us,” Ms Kuruleca said.
13 Sep 2020 11:59
Proper Recording Needed For Suicide Cases
Selina Kuruleca during the launching of Lifeline Fiji short code 1543 . Photo: Ronald Kumar

There is a need for a database management system in the country for targeted interventions.

This is to help record the root causes of attempted and completed suicide and its to assist in formulating preventative measures which could be used.

This was highlighted by the chairperson of the National Committee on Prevention of Suicide, Selina Kuruleca, during a vigil on National Suicide Prevention Day held at the Terry Walk in Suva on Thursday night.

Ms Kuruleca said there was no such database in Fiji that determined how they collected data for research and targeted intervention.

“Right now our interventions are based on global evidence, but if we go down into the communities there would be different needs in the community. This is what we will need to tackle with targeted interventions that can only be brought about if we have a database to support us,” Ms Kuruleca said.

“It would be nice to have a main database collecting all this information so that our interventions can be targeted on what was the biggest crisis people were facing.”

She called on corporate organisations to assist the committee in their bid to obtain a main database for the worthy cause.

Close to 50 people attended the vigil where candles were lit to commemorate the lives of those lost to suicide in the past years.

According to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, from January to June this year, there were 72 cases of completed suicide and 66 cases of attempted suicide.

“It means that we have a lot of work to do and it also means that we need to consistently and constantly work together not only at the corporate level or the national level but starting from individuals within the community, families and communities,” Ms Kuruleca said.

“Make a commitment today to be persistent in your compassion, to be genuine in your advocacy and to be mindful of our realities.”

Suicide Awareness Month

With this year’s theme being ‘Working Together to Save Lives’, Ms Kuruleca said it was important for all to understand that they played an important part in eradicating suicide completely.

“Too often we think that when someone attempts suicide or completes a suicide there is something wrong with that person, what was the family doing and we are all pointing at each other,” she said.

“For us as Fijians, this is the beginning of a cascade of a wave to surf on, to check up on each other. All of us can ask for help and we want to just encourage people to please ask fo r help.

“It can be with your local churches, faith based organisations or parents and teachers, know that someone is there.”

Edited by Selita Bolanavanua

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