Last year in Nepal 6,830 lives were lost to suicide. Through UMN and UMN MDT we are running mental health programmes in Kapilvastu, Bajhang, Nawalparasi and Rukum East, and in Palpa and Okhaldhunga through our hospitals. We are raising awareness of mental health disorders including suicide so that more people get the help and treatment they need. For this, we work with health workers, local media, female community health volunteers and local government representatives.

To raise awareness on the World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, UMN in collaboration with the Mental Hospital Lagankhel and other likeminded organisations had organised a walkathon rally with creative activities and a cycling rally in Lalitpur. 

On the same day, some of our clusters also organised rallies and orientation programme to raise awareness on suicide by collaborating with the rural municipalities’ health unit. Important discussions on suicide prevention and the support they can seek was also emphasised.