720,000 people commit suicide annually- WHO says

More than 720,000 people commit suicide every year, and many more attempt it, the World Health Organisation has said.

The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, is calling for “shifting the narrative” on the issue to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster compassionate conversations.”

Speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day, which is marked annually on September 10, Tedros said, “Each life lost leaves a profound impact on families, friends, colleagues, and entire communities.”

All age groups are affected by suicide, which was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021, the last year for which data has been gathered by WHO.