On the Mandatory Notification of Suicidal Behavior to the National Health Surveillance System in Argentina

Abstract

The integration of Mental Health in information systems has gained relevance in recent years, driven by the WHO/PAHO 2030 Agenda, which recognizes this problem as a human right and promotes its epidemiological surveillance. In Argentina, after years of a vacuum in this area, recent and significant progress has been made, such as the inclusion of suicide and suicide attempts in the list of Mandatory Notification Events (through Ministerial Resolution 2827/2022). Although these advances are crucial, global success relies on a profound cultural and organizational shift beyond technical or regulatory changes. This article addresses the controversy surrounding the legal, ethical, and operational barriers hindering effective implementation and favoring underreporting. It will be necessary to achieve a social transformation that allows a more efficient and accurate collection of data, guaranteeing the quality of the records and their impact on public policies.