Mental health has emerged as one of Namibia's most pressing public health challenges, with rising cases of depression, anxiety, and suicide, especially among young people.
According to the World Health Organisation, Namibia currently ranks 11th globally and 4th in Africa for suicide rates.
In the 2023-2024 financial year, the country reported 100,297 individuals with mental health conditions and 542 suicide cases.
In response to the growing crisis, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is strengthening its multi-sectoral approach by engaging key stakeholders to find practical and coordinated solutions.
One of the focus regions is Ohangwena, which recorded 158 suicide attempts and 143 individuals with mental health conditions during the 2024-2025 financial year.
A medical doctor at the Windhoek Central Hospital's Mental Health Care Unit, Adelinu Celestinus, highlights that the police play a big role in managing mental health-related incidents, particularly when individuals become violent or refuse care.
"Often, families are unable to transport their loved ones to the hospital because the person may be violent, threatening to harm others, or picking up dangerous objects, creating fear and panic. In such cases, the Mental Health Act clearly states that it is the responsibility of the police to assist families and ensure that the individual is safely taken to a health facility for treatment."
Programme Officer for mental health, Magdalena Didalelwa, explained that the ministry is equipping law enforcement with skills to handle mental health-related incidents with sensitivity, professionalism, and compassion.
"The first step in managing aggressive patients is self-control. You must be able to manage your own behavior first; if you can't control yourself, you won't be able to handle someone else who is also out of control. If you can't take insults from a patient or inmate, then perhaps you're not suited for this profession. It's important to stay calm, remain composed, and truly listen to what the person is saying."
Social worker Petrina Amunyela highlighted that many mental health issues in the community are linked to alcohol abuse.
"A large number of people have health problems because of alcohol. Many of those in prison are there due to alcohol-related offenses, and even some deaths are linked to alcohol abuse. People are also mixing alcohol with medication, which is dangerous and renders the treatment ineffective. Meanwhile, the government continues to spend heavily on medication."