Windhoek: The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) on Monday hosted a mental health and suicide prevention awareness session aimed at promoting wellness and fighting stigma surrounding mental illness in the public service. In her statement shared with Nampa on Tuesday, Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus stressed that mental health should be treated as a shared responsibility, as everyone is affected at some point. 'It is our collective duty to educate ourselves and understand it better, whether we are personally affected or supporting someone close to us,' she said.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Theofelus also announced the establishment of an employee wellness corner at the ministry to promote staff wellbeing. The corner provides a quiet space for employees to take a break, relax, and recharge mentally. Dr. Suraia Schiceya from the Ministry of Health and Social Services, who also spoke at the event, warned against ignoring signs of poor mental health and urged public servants to look for help early. 'Waiting until things get worse should not be the norm. Seeking help early is essential,' she said, adding that untreated mental health conditions often lead to absenteeism and reduced productivity in workplaces.

According to a report by the Namibian Police Force, 1,542 people died by suicide between 01 April 2020 and 31 March 2023, with men accounting for 82 percent of those deaths. That number underscores the need for stronger interventions and support frameworks across the nation, she said. The session was held under the theme 'Promoting Wellness, Preventing Despair - A Collective Commitment to Mental Health in the Public Service,' and forms part of a directive from the Office of the Prime Minister that urged all offices, ministries, agencies, and regional councils to observe Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in October.