Health and Social Services Minister, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, has revealed suicide statistics from August 2022 to June 2023, which paint a grim picture of the suicide in Namibia.

During this period, 623 lives were tragically lost to suicide, with a striking gender disparity with 82% of cases comprising males and 15% females.

3.2% of these suicides occurred among the youth demographic.

These statistics, says Dr. Shangula, reveal a concerning suicide death rate of 21 per 100,000 people, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Notably, the regions of Omusati, Oshikoto, and Hardap are experiencing the highest incidence of suicides.

Dr. Shangula says that the data serves as a stark reminder that suicide is a pressing public health issue in Namibia, demanding immediate attention and action.

The nation must rally together to implement comprehensive mental health support systems and initiatives to prevent further loss of life to suicide, said the minister.

Shangula made the remarks in the capital at the occasion where his ministry marked the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day.