Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eswatini has, for the first time, joined the world in commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10. The historic event was hosted by the Ministry of Health in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) under the theme “Changing the Narrative: Let’s Start the Conversation.” the event was held at Mountain View, Mbabane.
The event highlighted the urgent need to break the silence around mental health, encourage open dialogue, and foster a culture of support and compassion across communities, schools, workplaces, and families.
Suicide: A Pressing Public Health Challenge
Minister of Health, Mduduzi Matsebula, highlighted the gravity of the situation in Eswatini. According to the World Health Organization (2021), the country ranks among the highest globally in suicide rates, with 29.4 deaths per 100 000 population. Men, youth, and vulnerable populations such as women and students bear a disproportionate burden.
Key statistics presented included:
.The 2024 STEPS Survey revealed that 21.8% of adults experience depressive symptoms, with many reporting suicidal thoughts.
.Between 2021 and mid-2025, 387 cases of suicidal thoughts, attempts, and related behaviours were recorded at health facilities.
.Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) data showed 486 lives lost to suicide between 2022 and 2024, with 80% being men and 69% aged 25 and above.
.Common methods of suicide in the country include poisoning (52%), hanging (44%), firearms (1%), and self-inflicted injuries (3%).
Changing the Narrative: Breaking the Silence
Minister Matsebula stressed that suicide is preventable and urged citizens to overcome stigma and speak openly about mental health challenges. He called on families, schools, workplaces, and faith-based institutions to create supportive environments where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength.
Ministry of Health Commitments
To address the crisis, the Ministry of Health is scaling up mental health interventions through the Non-Communicable Diseases, Injury, and Mental Health Program (NCDIMH). Key actions include.
.Strengthening decentralisation of mental health services.
.Training health workers to screen for depression and suicidal risk.
.Partnering with schools and tertiary institutions to support young people.
.Conducting community awareness campaigns to empower families, teachers, chiefs, and pastors to recognise warning signs.
WHO Support and Global Perspective
WHO Representative, Dr. Susan Tembo, lauded Eswatini’s leadership in placing mental health and suicide prevention at the forefront of the national agenda. She highlighted that globally, over 700 000 people die by suicide annually one person every 40 seconds.
Dr. Tembo emphasised Eswatini’s urgent situation, noting that the country records the highest male suicide rate worldwide at 54.2 per 100 000 population, nearly three times above the African regional average. She underscored the importance of a multisectoral approach involving health, education, social development, justice, media, civil society, and traditional leaders.
Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention: WHO LIVE LIFE Framework
The WHO LIVE LIFE framework provides clear guidance to prevent suicide:
.Limiting access to means of suicide.
.Promoting responsible media reporting.
.Fostering life skills among adolescents.
.Early identification and care for at-risk individuals.
A Call to Action
Both speakers urged all stakeholders to translate discussions into concrete actions to save lives. Minister Matsebula reminded the public, “You are not alone. There is hope, and there is help.”
The event concluded with a candle-lighting ceremony to honour lives lost to suicide and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to building a compassionate society where conversations about mental health are encouraged, stigma is dismantled, and help is accessible to all.
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