Public health updates in Italy address suicide rates and leprosy cases

In Italy, health officials and statistical agencies are highlighting two distinct public health concerns. Regarding suicide prevention, data from Istat for 2023 shows 3,741 deaths among residents aged 15 and older, averaging approximately ten per day. This represents a 3.4% decrease from the previous year. The figures show that men account for 77.6% of these cases. While rates decreased among those aged 50–64 and over 80, stability was noted among those under 50.

Separately, medical specialists at the Spallanzani Institute have noted the presence of imported leprosy cases in Rome. Experts clarify that there is no local outbreak or endemic transmission, as the disease has not been endemic in Italy since the 1970s. Approximately ten new cases are diagnosed in Italy annually, all of which are classified as imported. The city of Rome has also requested reimbursement from the Lazio Region for subsidies provided to patients and their families in 2025.