Between 2016 and 2021, the Fiji Police Force reported 1,276 instances of suicides and attempted suicides. This averages to approximately 212 cases annually, with nearly half resulting in death.
Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, brought attention to these figures during a parliamentary session on Friday while responding to inquiries about the ministry’s suicide prevention initiatives.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted that 2019 saw the highest number of cases, totaling 244, and that the Western Division consistently reported the most cases over the six-year period.
He emphasized that changing perceptions around suicide involves addressing the stigma and silence that often surrounds this complex issue, advocating for a culture of openness, understanding, and support.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800,000 individuals die by suicide worldwide each year.
Dr. Lalabalavu urged everyone to engage in conversations about suicide and its prevention, asserting that every discussion, irrespective of its size, plays a role in fostering a supportive community.
He called for initiating crucial dialogues in various venues, including churches, mosques, sports fields, and social gatherings.