Windhoek: The Head of the Windhoek Central Hospital Mental Health Centre, Dr. Hilen Ndjaba, has called on Namibians to help prevent suicide by being mindful of others. Ndjaba made the call during the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day at the hospital's mental health facility on Friday.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the event, attended by medical practitioners, the chairperson of the Mental Health Board, and members of the public, was held under the theme 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide.' The Minister of Health and Social Services, Esperance Luvindao, recently revealed that a total of 112 Namibians, including four children, succumbed to suicide between January and August this year.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that Namibia has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa, estimated at 9.7 per 100,000 people. Globally, suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 in 2021.

"Please pay more attention. Be your brother's gatekeeper," Ndjaba urged, advising individuals to stay alert to signs of distress among those around them. Signs of depression may include sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, she said, adding that people should seek help, as it is impossible for others to know what they are going through without speaking out.

"We will not come and spot you or identify you. Even with magnifying glasses, I will not be able to know who is thinking about suicide," she emphasised.

Also speaking at the commemoration, Dr. Adelinu Celestino from the Mental Health Centre stressed the need for collective action to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts. "We need to take action to help people battling with suicidal thoughts so that they do not commit suicide. By working collaboratively, we can create hope," said Celestino.