WASHINGTON, DC (PAHO) – Suicide among adolescents and young adults in the Americas has increased over the past two decades and remains the third cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24, according to a new study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas.

According to PAHO, in 2021, 18,157 adolescents and young people died by suicide in the region. It said that while three out of every four suicide deaths occurred among males, the increase has been faster among females. The sharpest rise was observed in the youngest age group, those aged 10 to 14 years, raising urgent public health concerns.

“The fact that the suicide rate among young people has risen 38 per cent in just over two decades — compared to a 17 per cent increase in the general population — is a wake-up call,” said Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Director Dr Jarbas Barbosa. “We must strengthen prevention efforts, especially for children, adolescents, and young adults, and ensure they receive timely support.”