As a teenager, Yasmin Parpio witnessed a close friend silently struggling with thoughts of suicide for years. Although her friend never spoke openly about it, the signs were evident—withdrawn behaviour, pervasive sadness, and a quiet desperation that Yasmin couldn't fully comprehend at the time. Watching her friend struggle silently was heartbreaking, leaving Yasmin feeling helpless.
The issue became even more personal when a fellow student at Yasmin's school died by suicide. The shock that reverberated through the community left a permanent mark – with unending questions of "What could we have done?"
That moment became a turning point, inspiring Yasmin to found RAAHI - a culturally relevant suicide prevention programme for adolescents in northern Pakistan. Her vision became a reality during her time as faculty at the Aga Khan University's School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM).
"Imagine a world where saving a life starts with a single conversation. This is the vision that drives the RAAHI Suicide Prevention Programme," Yasmin shared. "My time at AKU has been instrumental in transforming this vision into reality.
AKU's nurturing academic environment, combined with exceptional mentorship and resources, has enabled me to build a robust foundation for this initiative. Collaborative opportunities with interdisciplinary experts have expanded the programme's scope and ensured its alignment with evidence-based practices."
RAAHI is designed to empower schools as the first line of support. The programme creates safe spaces for adolescents to share their struggles and encourages peer and community support. It also equips educators and counsellors with the tools to recognize warning signs and guide those in crisis toward help.
Beyond addressing immediate risks, RAAHI is planting the seeds for long-term change. In schools where the programme was introduced, students who previously stayed silent about their struggles began opening up. Adolescents reported improved confidence in managing stress, navigating emotional challenges, and seeking help when needed.
In these communities, mental health—once considered taboo—has started to gain recognition as a vital component of overall well-being. The validation process underscored RAAHI's ability to serve as a scalable model for other resource-limited settings in northern Pakistan facing similar challenges.
Globally, suicide is a major public health concern, with 77% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In northern Pakistan, a region celebrated for its scenic beauty, rising suicide rates are a stark reality. Limited health facilities and cultural stigma further complicate the issue.
“Today I am empowered to address one of the most critical challenges facing our youth today. With RAAHI, I hope to create a future where adolescents can embrace their full potential with a healthy mind and a strong spirit, knowing they are never alone in their struggles."
