Ministry of Home Affairs and KU Partner to Tackle Suicide Prevention

In a significant step toward addressing the growing issue of suicide in Nepal, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Mental Health Department of Kathmandu University (KU) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for collaborative research and initiatives on suicide prevention.

The agreement was formalized today by Dr. Tok Raj Pandey, Head of the Ministry’s Disaster Division, and Dr. Deepak Kunwar, Head of KU’s Department of Mental Health. Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, present at the signing ceremony, expressed optimism that the partnership would significantly reduce suicide cases through coordinated efforts and research-driven interventions.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Minister Lekhak shared alarming statistics: “In the last 24 hours alone, 37 people attempted suicide, and 11 of them lost their lives. There is a high risk of recurrence among those rescued.” He emphasized the urgent need for effective measures to address the issue and outlined the key roles KU would play under the partnership.

As part of the collaboration, KU’s Department of Mental Health will conduct in-depth research to identify causes and risk factors associated with suicide. The department will also provide psychological counseling to at-risk individuals through telemedicine, along with basic training programs on suicide prevention and reduction.

Minister Lekhak also announced plans for a mobile application dedicated to suicide prevention and control, which will consolidate resources, guidance, and data to support vulnerable individuals and families. He directed the involved parties to conduct a periodic evaluation every three months to measure progress and refine strategies.

Dr. Kunwar highlighted the potential of the partnership to expand KU’s efforts beyond the Kathmandu Valley, enabling mental health services to reach remote areas through telemedicine. “This collaboration allows us to extend our reach to rural regions, ensuring better access to mental health resources in partnership with the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he said.

The MoU marks a pivotal step in Nepal’s efforts to combat the rising suicide rates by combining government resources with academic expertise to create impactful and sustainable solutions.