With almost 3,000 people commit suicide every day worldwide -- one victim in every 30 seconds, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for world attention here on Monday to solve the problem.
In a statement marking the World Suicide Prevention Day, the UN agency said that the world should pay more attention to suicide problem, which is becoming more and more serious, especially in developing countries.
"Today, too many people of all ages needlessly take their own lives...For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt suicide," the statement said.
According to the WHO, worldwide suicide rates have increased by 60 percent over the last 50 years, and the increase has been particularly marked in developing countries.
Although reported suicide is now among the three leading global causes of death among young people aged 15-34 years, the majority of suicides are reported in adults and older adults including 60 years and older.
The WHO said the focus of World Suicide Prevention Day this year is on suicide prevention from youth to old age.
"World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in commitment and action to ensure that suicides are prevented," the statement said.
The WHO said that suicide should no longer be seen as a taboo or an acceptable result of personal or social crises.
Rather, it should be seen as "a health condition influenced by psycho-social, cultural and environmental risk factors which can be prevented through national responses which address the main local risk factors for suicide," it said.
"If we build networks and alliances to promote common approaches which support governments in planning and implementing their national responses, we will find that suicide is a huge but largely preventable public health problem," it added.
Source: Xinhua
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