The World Health Organization (WHO) joined the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) and other stakeholders in the commemoration of World Mental Health Day under the global theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”. The observance highlighted the urgent need to address the mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by humanitarian crises. The day also marked World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action, “Start the Conversation”. This theme emphasizes breaking stigma, promoting openness and creating safe spaces where those in distress can seek help. Beyond raising awareness, it calls for policies that prioritize mental health, expand access to care, and strengthen support systems for those in need.

The data presented on behalf of the Right Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, Dr Elijah Ngurare shows that in 2023/2024, a total of 542 cases of suicide and 2,937 attempts were reported. “These numbers are not just statistics. Each one represents a son, a daughter, a mother, a father a life full of potential cut short,” said Dr Ngurare. He called upon families, young people, communities, leaders and employers to be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in preventing suicide. “Each life saved is a victory for our nation. Let us ensure that every Namibian, regardless of age, gender, or circumstance, enjoys the right to mental health and the opportunity to live with dignity, hope and purpose,” he added.

On 25 September 2025, the Honourable Minister of Health and Social Services tabled the Mental Health Bill 2025, a landmark piece of legislation aimed at transforming mental health care in Namibia and safeguarding the dignity, rights, and well-being of all Namibians. The Minister, Dr. Esperance Luvindao, described the Bill as a modern, comprehensive, and human rights–based framework for mental health care. “The Bill is designed to strengthen the prevention, treatment, and management of mental health conditions and ensure timely and equitable access to quality services across the country. It also places a strong emphasis on suicide prevention, addressing rising rates and providing support for those at risk,” said Dr. Luvindao. By promoting community-based care and integrating mental health into primary health services, the Bill aims to create a resilient, inclusive, and healthy society.

According to WHO, globally each year one in four people will experience some form of mental ill-health. In 2019, suicide accounted for one in every 100 deaths worldwide. The African region recorded the highest suicide rate globally at 11.2 per 100,000 population in 2019, compared with the global average of 9.0 per 100,000. Namibia’s rate was 8.3 per 100,000, slightly below the global average.

Speaking on mental health and suicide prevention, WHO Representative to Namibia, Dr. Richard Banda, highlighted that social, economic and systemic factors, along with access to lethal means, compound suicide risk. “Addressing these factors is essential to responses that meet both individual mental health needs and the broader social determinants of suicide,” he said. WHO launched the evidence-based LIVE LIFE Implementation Guide for Suicide Prevention, which supports governments in restricting access to lethal means, such as highly hazardous pesticides, one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide. “We are working with the government to integrate the LIVE LIFE guides into national plans and adapt the Mental Health Gap guides to deliver care through primary health services,” Dr. Banda added. “Suicide is preventable and requires well-coordinated, multisectoral collaboration to ensure that vulnerable individuals receive the care and support they need,” he concluded.

WHO in collaboration with the International University of Management (IUM), hosted a mental health and suicide prevention session for students. The session encouraged open dialogue on coping strategies and collective support to manage academic and life pressures. Cassia Sharpley, Champion for WHO’s 75th Anniversary, emphasized the need to change the narrative on suicide from shame and silence to compassion, understanding and hope. She noted that suicide often results from untreated mental illness compounded by social and economic factors, and not personal flaws. She noted that the new narrative, promotes resilient, sustainable mental health, encourages help-seeking, and values every life story.

Sharpley called on governments, media, and individuals to foster supportive environments and accessible mental health services. “Every story deserves hope,” she said. “Let us leave here today as architects of this new world, a world where we carry hope for each other, until we are strong enough to carry it for ourselves. Let us change the narrative and build a world of sustainable beauty from the inside out,”.