The alarming rate of suicide among men in Fiji has prompted fresh calls for urgent national action.
Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection Sashi Kiran said this to mark World Suicide Prevention Day with a passionate plea to break the silence and stigma around mental health.
New figures released reveal that 489 people died by suicide between 2020 and 2024, with 76% of the victims being men, a staggering 370 cases.
Men also accounted for more than half of all attempted suicides (243 out of 446 recorded attempts), reinforcing what the Minister described as a “silent crisis” affecting Fiji’s male population.
“We must confront this truth: too many of our people, particularly our men, are struggling in silence,” Minister Kiran said.
While men made up the bulk of suicide fatalities, the data also showed worrying trends among other age groups.
The 18 to 24-year-old group remains the most affected demographic, followed by teenagers aged 13 to 17, and Fiji’s elderly population over 60 years.
The Western Division recorded the highest prevalence, with 43% of suicide cases and nearly half (49%) of all attempted suicides, pointing to the urgent need for more targeted mental health services in that region.
“This tells us the issue cuts across generations—our youths, who are the future of Fiji, and our elderly, who are the wisdom keepers of our communities, are among those most at risk,” Minister Kiran said.
Minister Kiran called for a national shift in how Fijians approach mental health.
“We urge family units and close colleagues to observe your loved ones and engage with compassion, not judgement, if you find them distressed,” she said.
“It’s time to integrate psychosocial support into every corner of our society so that no one feels they must suffer alone.”
Minister Kiran reminded the public of the toll-free national helplines available for those in crisis or those needing support:
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1325 – Lifeline Fiji
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1560 – Youth Champs for Mental Health
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5626 – Empower Pacific
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1543 – Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre
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Fiji Police or any trusted medical professional
“To anyone who is struggling: you are not alone, and your life matters. Please reach out for help—whether to a trusted friend, a family member, your community or faith leader, or health professionals.”
