Breaking the Silence on Suicide – Prevalence and Prevention Initiatives in Northwest Syria

This side event will present the key findings of a recent study conducted by the MHPSS Technical Working Group Northwest Syria, the King's College and GIZ on societal attitudes and the prevalence of suicidal ideation among different demographic strata in northwest Syria.

It will then discuss a multi-year initiative by GIZ that focuses on supervision training for professionals in education, protection, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) fields in Syria. This initiative specifically addresses the unique, rapidly changing challenges these workers face against the backdrop of stress and trauma inherent in their work environments.

Finally, UOSSM, a Syrian health-focused NGO, will present the perspective of frontline healthcare workers on how this issue is currently being tackled and the resource challenges they face.