13 children are on record having committed suicide over the past year. 

This and the alarming rate of suicide among men are among the top concerns of the |Khomas Suicide Prevention Taskforce.

A deeply concerning issue affecting Namibia is the rising rate of suicide among men. Statistics reveal that men in Namibia are far more likely to take their own lives compared to women. Experts point to a combination of cultural, economic, and social factors as key contributors.

The |Khomas Suicide Prevention Taskforce says 542 suicide cases have been reported since last year, of which 449 were committed by adult males.

The statistics further reveal the suicide deaths of 80 adult females, eight male children, and five female children.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services, serving as custodian of suicide prevention, initiated the |Khomas Suicide Prevention Task (KSPT) as well as mobilised stakeholders to create awareness around suicide prevention and initiate and implement interventions.

Chairperson of the |Khomas Suicide Prevention Taskforce, Tuhafeni Talia addressed one of the fundamental contributing factors to suicide among men.

The Vice-Chairperson of KSPT, Josephina Nghishoongele, stressed the vital role of parents in both shaping and identifying the underlying factors contributing to suicide in children.