–Self-harm or suicide is the third most common cause of death in the region. In light of the recent increases in suicides in the Nickerie district, the Ministry of Health, in particular the Division of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health at the Public Health Office (BOG), in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organization ( PAHO), provided a three-day Suicide Prevention training in Nickerie from 31 May to 02 June.
The training was provided by clinical psychologist of the Ministry/BOG (Medical Educational Bureau) mw. M. Plein MSc, supported by the Ministry’s mental health focal point, ms. S. Omanette BSc and National PAHO/WHO NCD and Mental Health Consultant, Dr. W. Emanuelson-Telgt MSPH. The participants were primary care providers from RGD, MMC, teachers and several key persons (counselors, social workers, care teachers, etc) for the prevention and reduction of the suicide phenomenon in the district.
The training consisted of 7 modules including: Introduction to Self-Harm/Suicide, Self-Harm/Suicide Questions, Communication Skills, Self-Harm/Suicide Assessment, Counseling, Follow-up and Suicide Prevention Strategies.
In view of the seriousness of the situation in Nickerie, we brainstormed with the participants about the bottlenecks that come to the fore in Nickerie and the possible interventions that can be linked. The training was concluded with a test to obtain a certificate.
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