Parliament heard today that 63 people in Fiji died by suicide between January and August this year, a figure Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu described as “deeply alarming”.
“Suicide prevention is now fully incorporated into broader public health initiatives that promote mental wellbeing across all sectors,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“Despite these efforts, the data shows we continue to lose too many lives.”
The 63 confirmed deaths form part of 110 total suicide-related incidents, which also include 47 attempted suicides during the eight-month period.
Youth remain particularly at risk, with 13 young people aged 18 to 24 dying by suicide and 11 others attempting to take their lives.
He also highlighted the vulnerability of older citizens. Eleven people aged 60 and above died by suicide, while five in the same age group attempted suicide.
Ethnicity data shows Fijians of Indian descent recorded the highest numbers, with 41 suicide deaths and 33 attempts, while the iTaukei population recorded 21 deaths and 13 attempts.
Men continue to be disproportionately affected.
“Males account for 70 percent of all cases,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“Hanging and chemical ingestion remain the most common methods.”
The Western Division recorded the highest number of cases — 32 suicides and 30 attempts — while the Southern Division showed what the Minister called “a drastic decline,” with 8 suicides and 2 attempts.
