GTA

Status: On-going

Donor: Henry Ford Health Global Health Initiative

Secretariate: GTA Foundation

Project Summary

The Zero Suicide International® Asia Alliance initiative represents a transformative effort to address the pervasive challenge of suicide across the South-East Asia region. Anchored in the Zero Suicide framework, this project seeks to reduce suicide through evidence-based strategies, robust collaboration, and systemic integration within healthcare and community settings. With the G.T.A Foundation serving as the secretariat the Zero Suicide International® Asia Alliance aims to foster a coordinated, sustainable approach to suicide prevention, leveraging regional expertise, research, and policy advocacy.

Objectives

The central objective of the Zero Suicide International Asia Alliance is to reduce the incidence of suicide across the region by establishing and sustaining zero-suicide strategies within healthcare systems and community frameworks. This overarching goal is supported by a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices, enhancing public awareness, and fostering international and regional collaboration to create a resilient, suicide-free future.

Specific Objectives:

1. Promote the integration of the Zero Suicide framework across all healthcare and community care settings in South-East Asia.
2. Facilitate inter-sectoral collaboration to enhance connectivity and support for suicide prevention initiatives.
3. Deliver specialized training programs on suicide prevention strategies to healthcare professionals, community workers, and caregivers.
4. Advocate for the incorporation of suicide prevention policies within national health strategies and mental health action plans.
5. Establish and sustain support networks for individuals at risk of suicide and their families.
6. Encourage and facilitate research endeavors to evaluate the efficacy of suicide prevention interventions and guide future strategies.
7. Implement robust data collection and analysis systems to monitor suicide trends and assess intervention impacts.
8. Strengthen the capacity of organizations and professionals involved in suicide prevention through resource provision and technical assistance.
9. Foster linkages with local communities by disseminating resources and facilitating knowledge exchange.

Role of GTA: GTA Foundation serves as the Secretariat for Zero Suicide International® Asia Alliance, playing a key role in its formation, coordination, and operational management.

Activities:

1. Completed Activities: The kick off meeting of the alliance took place on January 22 nd , 2025.

2. Planned Activities:

• The 2 nd webinar is scheduled to take place on 9 th April, 2025, with country representatives from Pakistan and Malaysia sharing the suicide scenario and work done in suicide prevention in their respective countries
• The official launch is planned in October, 2025 with the in-person workshop and signing of the charter by the country representatives of the participating countries.
• Following the launch of the hub regular updates through the webinars, technical discussions, and semi-annual review meetings to track progress, and address challenges will ensure accountability.