On World Mental Health Day, LifeLine International proudly announced the appointment of H.E. Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki, Founder & President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, as its Honorary Patron. This appointment highlights H.E. Mrs Saraki’s consistent and unwavering commitment to health and wellbeing, particularly in the areas of mental health and suicide prevention.

H.E. Mrs Saraki’s appointment comes at a critical time as mental health challenges and suicide rates, particularly for young people and across countries in Africa, are rising. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people aged 15-29. Globally, suicide claims about 720,000 lives each year, with 73% of suicides occurring in low-and middle-income countries where access to mental health services and support remains limited. These stark statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced mental health services and crisis support, particularly in regions where resources are scarce.

As Honorary Patron, H.E. Mrs Saraki will leverage her global influence and leadership as a global health advocate to further LifeLine International’s mission of reducing deaths by suicide and expanding access to life-saving telephone and online crisis support services. Her commitment to improving health outcomes, especially for vulnerable and marginalised populations, aligns seamlessly with LifeLine International’s vision of ensuring that by 2050, every person, regardless of their location, has access to high-quality crisis support.

CEO of LifeLine International, Thilini Perera, remarked: “We are honoured to welcome H.E. Mrs Toyin Ojora Saraki as our Honorary Patron. Her exceptional leadership and tireless advocacy for health equity will greatly enhance our efforts to prevent suicide and expand access to crisis support. We are confident that her involvement will bring transformative change to mental health and suicide prevention globally.” 

H.E. Mrs Saraki’s work will be instrumental in addressing the importance of prioritising mental health and wellbeing in Africa, where suicide rates are the highest globally. Her voice will serve as a powerful advocate for young people, women, and communities most in need of support, helping to break down the barriers that prevent access to mental health care.

In accepting the role, H.E. Mrs Toyin Saraki stated:  “I am truly humbled to take on the role of Honorary Patron for LifeLine International. Mental health is an essential component of wellbeing, and we must ensure that every individual has access to the support they need, especially in times of crisis. I look forward to working with LifeLine International to extend our reach and impact, ensuring that no one faces these challenges alone.” 

With H.E. Mrs Saraki’s guidance, LifeLine International, which has 200 LifeLine Centres operated by 31 Members in 27 countries, is poised to make significant strides in addressing the global suicide crisis. By combining her stewardship with LifeLine’s life-saving work, the organisation will expand its efforts to provide accessible, community-driven mental health support and crisis intervention on the frontlines.

LifeLine International remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every life is valued and saved, and H.E. Toyin Saraki’s patronage will undoubtedly amplify this crucial work.

As Founder-President of The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Her Excellency Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki is a prominent Nigerian advocate for women’s and children’s health and empowerment. With over two decades of global advocacy, her work focuses on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, as well as addressing gender-based discrimination and improving education and community livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. The Wellbeing Foundation Africa is committed to empowering lives and nurturing futures by advocating for health and transforming communities through comprehensive maternal, newborn, and child health programmes, education, and community health outreach.

LifeLine International is dedicated to ensuring universal access to suicide prevention and crisis support. As a membership organisation, we believe in the power of collaboration and shared purpose to work towards our vision of a world without suicide. Through partnerships with individuals with lived experience, member organisations, governments, and suicide prevention agencies, we develop policies, advocacy, programmes, and events aimed at improving access to quality suicide prevention services globally. Our mission is to create a world where support for suicide prevention is accessible, accepted, and encouraged.