The police reported 486 suicide cases across the country during the 2025/2026 government financial year. 

Of these, 390 were men, 83 women, nine boys and four girls.

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has called on Namibians to replace silence and stigma surrounding suicide with open conversations, understanding and support.

Men should not view seeking help for mental health challenges as a sign of weakness or shame, but rather as a solution that can improve their well-being and quality of life.
 

Omusati Regional Council has called for all Offices, Ministries, and Agencies (OMAs) to observe a Public Service Awareness-Raising Campaign on mental health and suicide prevention.

Mental health experts have raised an alarm over the growing number of professionals taking their own lives, saying decent and meaningful employment remains crucial to individual well-being and national productivity.

Namibia's Vice President Lucia Witbooi has reiterated the call on citizens to speak out when facing life challenges, saying the country cannot afford to remain silent in the face of rising mental health struggles. 

This came as Lifeline/ChildLine celebrated its 45th anniversary in Windhoek.

Namibians have been urged to be their brother's keepers and show compassion when addressing social issues, particularly those affecting men's mental health.

The Universal Church held a march against suicide aimed at raising awareness and addressing mental health issues faced by men and women.

Namibia ranks as one of the countries in Africa with the highest suicide rates, with over 80% being males.

As Namibia observed World Suicide Prevention Day today, statistics reveal that the country recorded 542 cases of suicide between 2023 and 2024 and 124 between January and March this year.

Affirmative Repositioning MP Hidipo Kambala has expressed support for the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare's commitment to uplifting widows and helping them reclaim their place in society, referring to this week’s Widows Summit.