Between 2016 and 2021, the Fiji Police Force reported a total of 1,276 suicides and attempted suicides. This averages out to approximately 212 cases annually, with around half resulting in death.
Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, addressed these figures in Parliament on Friday while discussing the ministry’s efforts towards suicide prevention. He noted that the year with the highest recorded cases was 2019, which accounted for 244 incidents, with the Western Division consistently reporting the most cases over six years.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide. He stated that transforming perceptions of this complex issue involves moving from a culture of silence and stigma to one characterized by openness, understanding, and support. He referenced World Health Organization statistics, which indicate that approximately 800,000 individuals die by suicide each year.
He called for a collective effort to initiate discussions about suicide and prevention, asserting that even small conversations contribute to building a supportive society. “By fostering these essential dialogues, we can dismantle barriers, enhance awareness, and cultivate a culture of support,” he said, urging the community to begin these conversations in various settings, including churches, mosques, sports fields, and social gatherings.