A silent struggle is unfolding in the minds of countless young Rwandans, who feel trapped in their thoughts and convinced no one understands. This is the reality for far too many. Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us that mental health matters, and that every life is precious. At Nyomora Foundation, we believe in turning silence into dialogue, and dialogue into healing. Together, we can ensure no one walks the path of despair alone.
Drawing on the research, evidence, and advocacy to make a clear call: no one in Rwanda should face suicidal thoughts or mental illness alone.
Suicide remains a silent crisis in our country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Rwanda’s suicide mortality rate was 5.6 per 100,000 people in 2019, down from 15.8 in 2000. Yet, suicide continues to be one of the leading causes of death among youth aged 15–29.
Mental health challenges are widespread. About one in five Rwandans aged 14–65 experience a mental health condition, while one in ten struggles with depression. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects roughly 29% of the population, particularly genocide survivors. Overall, 20% of the general population and 52% of genocide survivors live with a diagnosable mental disorder. At the same time, Rwanda has only 13 psychiatrists nationwide, equivalent to 0.06 per 100,000 people, highlighting the urgent need for accessible care.
These numbers reflect both the scale of the problem and the resilience of those striving for healing. Behind every statistic are families mourning loved ones, youth wrestling with invisible battles, and communities unsure how to respond.
Rwanda was one of the first African countries to establish a National Mental Health Policy in 1995, and significant progress has followed. The first dedicated suicide prevention initiative, a 24/7 helpline (8015), was established in Rwanda in response to increasing suicide cases, becoming a critical lifeline. This built upon a global movement that began when World Suicide Prevention Day was first established worldwide in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to focus global attention on the preventable nature of suicide.
Today, mental health services are integrated into district hospitals and health centers, community health insurance (Mutuelle) covers psychiatric care, and trained health workers can detect and respond to suicide risk. Awareness campaigns, especially on World Suicide Prevention Day, challenge stigma, while the 24/7 toll-free helpline (114) offers immediate, free support. As Dr. Jean Damascene Iyamuremye of the Rwanda Biomedical Center reminds us, “You don’t have to deal with problems alone. Talk to someone you trust or seek professional help. Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide.”
Government efforts are strengthened by organizations like Nyomora Foundation, which uses creative arts and media to break stigma among youth, CARAES Ndera and Butare as the main psychiatric centers, Partners in Health supporting therapy-linked self-help groups, and youth clubs and CHWs creating safe spaces and guiding families to help.
Despite these advances, stigma remains a strong barrier. Many Rwandans are taught to “endure in silence,” and mental illness is often seen as weakness or spiritual punishment. Breaking these barriers requires courageous conversations. When survivors share their stories and leaders advocate openly, communities begin to heal. Saying “I am not okay” can give others permission to speak too.
Suicide prevention is everyone’s responsibility. We can all listen with compassion, encourage professional help, educate others, and break the stigma. Every action matter in building a Rwanda where mental health is met with understanding, care, and hope.
Suicide and mental illness are not just personal struggles, they are a collective challenge that touches families, communities, and the nation. Rwanda has faced immense hardships, yet its people have repeatedly shown courage and resilience. Today, that resilience must extend to mental health. By listening with compassion, supporting those in need, challenging stigma, and advocating for accessible care, we can transform despair into hope. Every action count, every conversation matters, and together, we can ensure that no one faces these struggles alone. Let us break the silence, protect lives, and build a Rwanda where mental health is valued and supported.
References
- WHO. Suicide Mortality Rate, Rwanda. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2019.
- WHO. Global Health Estimates. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2000.
- Rwanda Ministry of Health. Suicide Among Youth Report. Kigali: MoH; 2021.
- Rwanda Ministry of Health. Rwanda Mental Health Survey. Kigali: MoH; 2018.
- National Commission for the Fight against Genocide (CNLG). PTSD Prevalence Report. Kigali: CNLG; 2019.
- WHO & Rwanda Biomedical Center. Mental Health Integration Report. Kigali: RBC; 2020.
- WHO. Mental Health Atlas – Rwanda. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020.
- Rwanda Ministry of Health. National Mental Health Policy (2018 Update). Kigali: MoH; 2018.
- Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). Helpline 114 National Announcement. Kigali: RBC; 2022.
- Partners In Health Rwanda. Annual Report. Kigali: PIH; 2021.
- Aegis Trust Rwanda. Youth Safe Mind Conference Report. Kigali: Aegis Trust; 2023.
- Survivor Testimonies. The New Times. Kigali: The New Times; 2022.
Authored by Richard B. Gotzen