Nepalese Society of Community Medicine (NESCOM) Member: Dr. Pranil Singh Pradhan
Role: Pilot Coordinator
In collaboration with: WHO Nepal
Project duration: June 10 to July 30, 2017
Area: Ward number 7, Chautara municipality, Sindhupalchok district
Activity Done
As part of the Project, a preparatory meeting was held with the Chair of the ward, local police officers, local health workers, members of the non-governmental organizations, and local leaders to explore the current burden of suicide in the community and the available services. The participants were briefed on the community engagement toolkit, and queries regarding suicide were addressed.
Following the preparatory meeting, a focus group discussion (consisting mostly of school teachers, representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGO), local residents, female community health volunteers (FCHV), and health workers) was conducted to explore the perceptions and beliefs in the community about suicide and its prevention. Analysis was done and key issues were identified.
Based on this information, a steering committee was formed in order to set up broad goals for suicide prevention and conduct a community and stakeholder analysis. One day orientation was provided to the steering committee on how to approach a person with suicidal behavior. The humanitarian version of the mental health gap (mHGAP) orientation tool was modified according to local context and used for an orientation session.
A community action plan for the prevention of suicide was created, and SMARTER goals were formulated. At the end, a second focus group
discussion was conducted to explore the enabling factors and barriers for the successful implementation of the community engagement toolkit.The report was submitted to WHO Nepal.
