On average, almost 3,000 people commit suicide daily, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Today, 10 September, is World Suicide Prevention Day. The focus this year is on suicide prevention at all levels - personal, public and political. The theme is, "Think Globally, Plan Nationally, Act Locally".
About one million people commit suicide each year.
Worldwide, suicide rates have increased by 60 percent over the past 50 years, and the rise has been particularly marked in developing countries.
Most suicides occur in Asia, estimated to account for up to 60 percent of the total. China, India and Japan - because of their large populations - may account for up to 40 percent of all world suicides.
As of this year, countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Egypt, Honduras and Seychelles recorded no suicides, while China and Hong Kong recorded 27.9 suicides per 100,000 people. Sri Lanka recorded 16.8, Republic of Korea 14.1 and Japan 13.2.
Mental disorders (particularly depression and substance abuse) are associated with more than 90 percent of all cases.
WHO works with governments and other partners, such as the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) to ensure that suicide is no longer stigmatised, criminalised or penalised.
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