WHO Warns Suicide Remains a Major Global Health Crisis, Especially in Lower-Income Countries
September 02, 2025
GENEVA: Suicide continues to be a leading cause of death worldwide, with more than one in every 100 deaths resulting from it, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Tuesday. The agency called for urgent action to address a growing mental health crisis, particularly among young people.
In 2021, the latest year for which data is available, an estimated 727,000 people died by suicide globally. According to the WHO, for every suicide, there are roughly 20 suicide attempts, affecting families, friends, and communities.
The report highlights that suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth: it was the second leading cause for women aged 15-29 and the third for men in the same age group.
While global suicide rates have fallen by 35% between 2000 and 2021, progress remains slow. The world is on track for only a 12% reduction in suicide rates by 2030, far below the target of one-third. Alarmingly, the Americas saw a 17% rise in suicide rates over the same period.
Nearly three-quarters of suicides occur in lower-income countries, home to most of the world’s population. Mental health disorders, including anxiety and depression, are on the rise, affecting over one billion people worldwide.
The WHO also warned that mental health spending remains critically low, with governments allocating just 2% of total health budgets to mental health. Globally, only 9% of people with depression receive treatment.
WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized: “Transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges.” Experts cite social media and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as major contributors to rising mental health distress among youth.
The WHO urges governments to increase investment in mental health services and provide greater support to vulnerable populations.
