Between 2016 and 2021, the Fiji Police Force documented 1,276 cases of suicide and attempted suicide. This averages to approximately 212 cases annually, with nearly half resulting in fatalities.
Health and Medical Services Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu brought this issue to light in Parliament after being questioned about the ministry’s suicide prevention initiatives.
He noted that the year 2019 saw the highest number of recorded cases, totaling 244, with the Western Division consistently reporting the most incidents over the six-year period.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the need to change the narrative surrounding suicide, advocating for a shift from silence and stigma to openness, understanding, and support. He referenced statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), which states that around 800,000 people die by suicide globally each year.
He urged individuals to initiate conversations about suicide and its prevention, asserting that each dialogue, regardless of its scale, plays a crucial role in fostering a supportive community.
“By starting these important discussions, we can dismantle barriers, enhance awareness, and cultivate a culture of support,” he remarked. He encouraged dialogue in various community spaces such as churches, mosques, sports fields, and social gatherings.