Every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide worldwide – Dr Lalabalavu

An urgent call to action delivered this morning by the Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu during World Suicide Prevention Day, emphasising the critical need to address the growing global suicide crisis.

Dr Lalabalavu also emphasised the alarming reality that every 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide worldwide, making it the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 years.

He says these numbers represent far more than statistics, they are the stories of individuals and families torn apart by tragedy.

He adds suicide prevention requires a holistic public health approach, recognizing that mental health, poverty, social isolation, unemployment, and trauma are all contributing factors.

The Minister called for better mental health services, greater social support, and interventions to reduce the pressures that push individuals towards a crisis that will also break the stigma around mental health is also essential.

He says that shame and judgment often prevent people from seeking help and urges the media to report responsibly on suicide and encourages communities to engage in prevention efforts, including peer support programs, emotional resilience training in schools, and mental health initiatives in workplaces.

To commemorate the World Suicide Prevention Day, a panel discussion will be held at the Raiwaqa Parish Hall this afternoon from 6pm to 8pm