Southern Africa: Namibia Doubles Down On Suicide Prevention
[New Era] Father at the Roman Catholic Church's Anumelenge Mission Antonius Alugodhi has called on communities to take suicide seriously by creating an environment where people can speak openly about their struggles and seek help.
Namibia is intensifying its efforts to combat suicide, recognizing the urgent need to address this growing public health concern. Father Antonius Alugodhi of the Roman Catholic Church's Anumelenge Mission has urged communities to create spaces where individuals can openly discuss their struggles and seek assistance. According to the Namibian Police, there were 486 recorded suicide cases nationwide during the 2025/2026 financial year, with 390 involving adult men, 83 adult women, nine boys, and four girls.
Major General Elias Mutoya, Deputy Inspector General for Operations, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about suicide during the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day. The event aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage action to prevent suicides. Alugodhi advised people to observe changes in the behavior of their friends and loved ones, especially if they exhibit signs of struggling, as a simple conversation can make a significant difference.
Dr. Korbinian Vizcaya Amutenya, a retired medical doctor and former superintendent of Oshakati State Hospital, joined the commemoration, stressing the need for prayer combined with practical actions like counselling, community awareness, and encouraging open discussions about personal problems. He stressed that seeking help is not a sign of weakness and that people must support those who are struggling by making them aware of available resources. The security cluster participated in the event, further highlighting the gravity of the issue.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
