MENTAL health challenges such as depression and anxiety, combined with social pressures including unemployment, family violence, and substance abuse — as well as limited access to mental health services in rural and remote communities, are key factors contributing to the rising suicide rate in our country.
Minister for Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu told Parliament on Wednesday that the Western Division continued to record the largest number of suicide cases and attempted suicide cases.
He said the National Committee on the Prevention of Suicide (NCOPS) was tackling the issue through a coordinated approach with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and faith-based organisations.
“The Ministry of Health and Medical Services plays a lead role in this coordinated approach through awareness campaigns, hotline promotion, planned website technical expertise upgrades with mental health resources.
“The Ministry of Education, having direct access to our youths and young population, has been conducting school dialogues, planning essay/artwork competitions and youth marches.
“The Ministry of Justice plays the role of legal authority in terms of public advocacy, legal reforms (suicide decriminalised), justice-informed policy prevention, support through courts and integration of corrections.”
He acknowledged the work of NCOPS for playing a central role in addressing the issue through national strategies and community-based approaches.
“NCOPS has developed a comprehensive national framework to address suicide prevention with its key strategic directions to include- implementation of national policies on suicide prevention;
“Strengthening mental health services, especially in rural areas; community engagement and building awareness to reduce stigma; suicide prevention is incorporated into broader public health initiatives, promoting mental well-being across all sectors.”
He urged everyone to start the conversation on suicide and suicide prevention.
