Suicide remains one of the leading causes of unnatural deaths, and its incidence is rising due to a variety of factors, including economic, logistical, social, and emotional challenges. In 2022-2023, Nepal Police recorded 6,993 cases of suicide, marking the highest number to date. Despite efforts by both governmental and non-governmental agencies to address and prevent suicide, societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding mental health continue to hinder progress. This highlights the urgent need for a collaborative approach to normalize conversations about mental health and create safe spaces for individuals to share their experiences.
Established in 2019, the Brain and Neuroscience Center Nepal (BANC Nepal) is a collaborative initiative led by prominent mental health experts dedicated to transforming the mental health landscape in Nepal. BANC Nepal actively promotes mental health awareness through community outreach, awareness programs, research, training, and partnerships with like-minded organizations. In collaboration with the Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal), BANC Nepal organized a “Walkathon” on September 10 and a “Cycling Rally” on September 14 to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day. These events brought together civil society organizations with a shared commitment to suicide prevention.
On September 10, 2024, a two-hour walkathon commenced at Patan Mental Hospital and concluded in Jawalakhel. Various organizations and educational institutions actively participated, including the World Health Organization, the Centre for Mental Health & Counseling Nepal, Koshish Nepal, United Mission to Nepal, Unity in Health, Possible, the Psychiatrists Association Nepal, Mental Health Hospital, Lalitpur Police, St. Xavier College, Saraswoti College, K&K College, and others involved in mental health advocacy.
