The Lautoka Police Station witnessed a significant gathering today as the National Committee on the Prevention of Suicide (NCOPS) convened for an important meeting. Chaired by Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, alongside Ms. Selina Kuruleca, Permanent Secretary for Justice, the meeting brought together representatives from various key organizations focusing on suicide prevention in Fiji.
Discussions centered on the national suicide trends, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger inter-agency collaboration. The committee underscored the importance of reviewing progress and addressing challenges faced in tackling suicide while strategizing on ways to enhance suicide prevention and overall mental health promotion within the country.
During the meeting, a commitment was reaffirmed to ensure collective action is taken to safeguard lives and provide better support to vulnerable communities. This follows recent discussions led by Dr. Balram Pundit of St Giles Psychiatric Hospital, who stressed the importance of not only investing monetarily but also changing societal behaviors to effectively address mental health challenges, which is a key component in suicide prevention.
Dr. Pundit recently highlighted the stigma surrounding suicide and the dire need for adequate resources, particularly for youths dealing with mental health issues. The need to create safe spaces for open dialogue and support is a recurring theme, echoed by Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci, who also emphasized tackling new-age challenges such as cyberbullying and fostering compassion in digital realms.
Statistics show a worrying trend with suicide cases, particularly among certain age groups and predominantly affecting males. This further underscores the need for collective community efforts to reshape the narrative around mental health. Fostering an environment of understanding and support, creating safe avenues for discussion, and addressing broader socio-economic factors are pivotal as Fiji works towards reducing suicide rates and improving overall mental well-being among its population.
Such initiatives aim to dismantle the stigma and encourage a culture where seeking help is seen as a strength, ultimately striving for a future where fewer lives are lost to suicide.
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