63 suicide cases have been recorded in the past nine months, with 49 of them being male.
While speaking at the World Suicide Prevention Day event held at Shirley Park in Lautoka, Minister for Health, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the numbers are alarming and stressed the urgent need to change the way suicide is addressed in society.
He is urging members of the public to reach out for help when going through difficulties instead of turning to suicide.
Dr Lalabalavu says it is not the end of the road, and that there are organisations out there to help people.
The Minister also acknowledged former Speaker and Health Minister Pita Nacuva, who attended the event and, having lost a loved one to suicide, holds World Suicide Prevention Day close to his heart and continues to actively support awareness efforts.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call Empower Pacific’s toll-free helpline 5626 or Lifeline Fiji on 1543 or a trusted medical professional.
