WHO says improved care, fewer weapons can reduce suicides

GENEVA — The World Health Organization on Wednesday urged countries to do more to prevent suicides by improving care for those with mental problems and making the weapons used in suicides more difficult to obtain.

According to WHO, some 1 million people commit suicide each year. The figures are highest in the Baltic states, Russia and Finland, and lowest in Muslim countries and Latin America.

"The vast majority of suicidal people do not want to die, they just don't want to live under the conditions in which they have to live," said Lars Mehlum, president of the International Association for Suicide Prevention. "We can do a lot. And this isn't just for doctors — this is for the conscientious citizen."

The comments came as many health-care workers prepared to observe World Suicide Prevention Day today.