Windhoek: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has revealed that 2,937 cases of attempted suicide were recorded by the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) during the 2023/24 financial year, marking the highest figure on record. Ngurare disclosed these statistics during the commemoration of World Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Month in Windhoek, in a speech delivered on his behalf.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of embedding mental health and suicide prevention in the national development agenda. He called for resources to be allocated to strengthen services in both urban and rural areas. Ngurare urged families to create supportive environments where those suffering can seek help without fear of judgment.

Ngurare expressed his desire for all Namibians to have the right to mental health and live with honour, hope, and purpose. He appealed to communities and faith-based leaders to provide safe spaces for guidance and encouragement, free from stigma. He stressed that mental well-being should be part of every organization's culture, as deteriorating mental health can divide families, weaken workplaces, and undermine societies.

Minister of Health and Social Services Dr. Esperance Luvindao, in a speech read on her behalf, reaffirmed the government's commitment to making mental health care accessible and responsive, especially during crises. She highlighted the importance of strengthening psychosocial support, community resilience, and emergency mental health response.

Meanwhile, Deon Baisako, secretary general of the Namibian Mental Health Association (NAMHA), shared his personal testimony as a survivor of severe mental health challenges. He encouraged those in need to utilize freely available mental health services for healing.