1,276 suicide cases recorded in the last 6 yrs – Dr Lalabalavu

According to the Fiji Police Force statistics, there have been a total of 1,276 suicide cases from 2016-2021 and an average of 213 attempted cases per year, with about half of the numbers leading to deaths.

While delivering his ministerial statement, Minister for Health and Medical Service, Doctor Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said the highest number of suicide and attempted suicide cases were recorded in 2019 with 244 cases.

Dr Lalabalavu says the Western Division recorded the most cases every year, for six years.

He says according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 800,000 people die by suicide every year, which means one person every 40 seconds.

The Minister says this issue needs a coordinated, multi-sectoral, Public Health Response and they are working closely with the National Committee on the Prevention of Suicide (NCOPS).

He says by initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better support as the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 underlines suicide as the second most common cause of death among young people aged 15-29 across the globe.

Lalabalavu says every individual suicide has far-reaching emotional, social and economic consequences and deeply affects families, local communities and nations across the globe.

He says World Suicide Prevention Day will be commemorated tomorrow with the launch of the Suicide Prevention 2024 theme, "Change the Narrative,” with the call to action "Start the Conversation".

He is inviting MP's to wear a yellow or orange article of clothing, wrist band, hair band to indicate that they are advocating that Life is for Living, that a life lost to suicide is a life to many.

While responding to the statement, Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma says according to Lifeline Fiji one Fijian citizen attempts to take their life every 36 hours.

Sharma further says the youngest victim was a 7-year-old child and World Suicide Prevention Day is a great initiative.

He adds people often don’t ask or seek for adequate help and prevention of suicide can’t be accomplished by one person, organisation or institution and requires a team effort.