Government Launches Comprehensive Strategy to Address Suicide Prevention Nationwide
Tehran – In a significant address at a suicide prevention conference held at Iran University of Medical Sciences, Zahra Beiroozazar, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs, outlined the government’s robust and multi-faceted strategy to tackle the complex issue of suicide, declaring it a top priority for the administration.
A National Priority from the Highest Level
Ms. Beiroozazar revealed that the matter of suicide prevention has been a subject of serious attention since the very beginning of the current administration’s term. “The issue of suicide is one that has been emphasized for attention from the start of the 14th government’s term,” she stated, noting that the President himself has issued a serious directive to “reduce the level of violence individuals inflict upon themselves.”
The Vice President framed the issue within the broader context of national vitality and the government’s youth population policies. She emphasized that a youthful population is not solely about birth rates but is equally dependent on “preserving every single precious life of Iranians.” The overarching goal, she explained, is to ensure public satisfaction with living conditions, a mission being pursued through simultaneous efforts in livelihood support, accident prevention, and now, a targeted suicide prevention initiative.
Understanding the Ripple Effect of a Tragedy
Beiroozazar provided a nuanced perspective on the impact of suicide, moving beyond the immediate loss of life. She described it as one of the “bitterest and most painful subjects we witness today,” highlighting the profound ripple effect on society. “In the issue of suicide, we do not only lose a citizen’s life,” she explained, “but large segments of society are also affected by this action; including the family members, friends, and acquaintances of the individual.” The subsequent grief and search for answers can, in turn, place loved ones into their own cycles of helplessness.
Operationalizing the Response: Command Centers and Targeted Aid
To translate policy into action, the government has established a “Prevention Command Center” at Iran University in Tehran. Officials are leveraging this working group as a powerful starting point for a coordinated national effort. The strategy involves identifying and focusing on specific regions where data indicates higher rates, including certain counties within provinces such as Ilam and Kermanshah.
Acknowledging the socio-economic dimensions of the problem, Beiroozazar pointed to decisions made by the National Population Headquarters to provide support packages for infant formula and diapers to lower-income families. However, she stressed that while addressing livelihood issues is crucial, the psychological and social roots of the phenomenon must also be confronted.
Empowerment and Dialogue as Key Tools
The core of the prevention strategy, according to the Vice President, is empowerment and communication. “All strata of society, especially those groups at risk of suicide, must be empowered to develop a positive attitude towards life,” she asserted. She cited studies confirming that effective dialogue with at-risk individuals can be a powerful preventative tool. The ultimate aim, though ambitious, is clear: “We must strive to bring the suicide statistics to zero, because even the loss of one life is important to us.”
The government’s plan also includes a focus on specific professional groups. Beiroozazar highlighted particular concern for medical residents, noting that while the issue is critically important, more research is needed to understand the unique blend of factors—such as low income, marital status, and intense work and academic pressure—that may contribute to this trend within the medical community. This targeted approach signifies a comprehensive and detailed national effort to preserve every citizen’s well-being.