The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the rising number of suicides in Eswatini, calling for urgent and coordinated action to save lives.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is ranked 2^nd in the Global Suicide rankings. Speaking at a media engagement in preparation for the World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration in Mbabane, the WHO Representative in Eswatini, Dr. Susan Tembo, stressed that suicide is not just a health issue but a shared societal responsibility that requires the commitment of all sectors, including the government, communities, institutions, and the media.

The engagement, attended by over 40 media practitioners; including journalists, radio continuity announcers, and radio programme producers, was aimed at equipping media houses across the country with vital knowledge on the risks of suicide and its prevention measures. The media engagement also emphasized responsible reporting of suicide-related cases to reduce the copycat incidents and curb the rising cases in society.

“Suicide is not just a health issue, it’s a shared societal responsibility. Tackling it requires coordinated action across government, communities, and institutions,” said Dr. Tembo. She noted that stigma continues to be one of the greatest obstacles to care, often discouraging people from seeking help. She urged the media to take the lead in dismantling stigma and promoting responsible reporting in line with the WHO’s LIVE LIFE framework, which identifies media engagement as one of four key interventions for suicide prevention.

Dr. Tembo emphasized that suicide can be prevented through strong multisectoral collaboration, accountability, and provision of adequate resources. She pledged WHO’s continued support to the Ministry of Health and partners, including technical expertise, training, and capacity building.

“Together we can change the narrative. Together we can save lives,” she affirmed. 

Statistics show that between 2021 and 2025, Eswatini recorded 387 suicide-related cases at health facilities. Data from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) revealed that between 2022 and 2024, there were 486 completed suicides, of which 80% were men and 20% women. The majority of victims (69%) were aged 25 years and above. The most common methods for committing suicide included:Poisoning using insecticides – 252 cases (52%), Hanging – 212 cases (44%), Self-inflicted injuries such as burning, stabbing, or jumping in front of a moving vehicle – 16 cases (3%), and Firearm-related suicides – 6 cases (1%). 

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Health Senior Medical Officer, Dr. Adman Shabangu, highlighted several vulnerable groups, including adolescents and young adults, women of reproductive age, people with untreated mental illnesses, victims of abuse and trauma, individuals with substance use disorders, as well as those who are isolated, unemployed, marginalized or facing financial and/or relational stress.

The Kingdom of Eswatini has committed to reducing its suicide rates by one-third by 2030. Dr. Shabangu explained that the Ministry of Health, with the assistance of WHO and other partners, aims to increase public awareness and health education on suicide prevention plus strengthen the health sector’s capacity to respond effectively.

The WHO representative concluded by urging the media and communities to carry the message forward, inspire compassion, challenge stigma, and open doors to healing.

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, has equipped media houses across the country with vital knowledge on the risks of suicide and its prevention measures.