Speaking at the International Conference on Public Health in Africa during a parallel session on Youth Mental Health in Africa, Dalal underscored the need to challenge prevailing cultural norms.

The conference, organized by the Africa Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention (AfricaCDC), is an annual event, with the 2023 edition hosted by the Government of Zambia.

Dalal, a Psychiatrist from Lusaka, Zambia, revealed that statistics indicate a higher incidence of suicide among men in Africa.

He explained, “There is more active suicide amongst men. For every 50 per cent of it, it is amongst the men that die, and this is because men use more lethal means with dying.’’

He highlighted the cultural barriers that prevent men from seeking mental health assistance, noting societal expectations that men should be strong, responsible, and providers. Dalal identified the challenge of vulnerability not being widely accepted in African communities.

To tackle these issues, Dalal outlined solutions being implemented by AfricaCDC, including mental health advocacy programs, men’s health initiatives, and mental health fellowships to build healthcare workers’ capacity in mental health.

Dalal also emphasized the importance of advocacy among the younger generation, citing that the third leading cause of death by suicide occurs between the ages of 15 to 29.

He commended Nigeria for recent strides in mental health legislation.