Speakers presented updates on on-going initiatives and discussed related challenges, opportunities, and issues requiring careful consideration. The webinar began with an overview of the global picture of suicide and criminalization of suicide, including reference to countries where suicide is still criminalized.
Participants benefitted from expert insights on the drawbacks to criminalization of suicide and self-harm and barriers to decriminalization. Presentations and discussions offered perspectives on suicide and self-harm prevention in Kenya and updates on the state of policy and advocacy.
Programme
Welcome Address
Dr. Lukoye Atwoli
Associate Director, Brain and Mind Institute, and Dean, Medical College, East Africa, Aga Khan University
Moderator
Ms. Diana MacKay
Global Practice Lead, Brain and Mind Institute
Aga Khan University
Presenters
Dr. Murad Khan
Past President
International Association for Suicide Prevention
Discussants
Dr. Linnet Ongeri
Senior Clinical Research Scientist
Kenya Medical Research Institute; Centre for Clinical Research
Dr. Simon Njuguna
Director of Mental Health
Ministry of Health, Kenya
Dr. Boniface Chitayi
President
Kenya Psychiatric Association
Reflections
Ms. Charity Muturi
Global Advisory NCD Alliance & Mental Health Alliance of Kenya
Perspectives on lived experience
Mr. Victor Kamau
Senior Counsel
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
Summary
Dr. Frank Njenga
Presidential Advisor on Mental Health
Co-Chair, Mental Health Taskforce
AKU Vision
Dr. Zul Merali
Founding Scientific Director, Brain & Mind Institute
Aga Khan University
