Between 2016 and 2021, the Fiji Police Force documented a total of 1,276 suicides and attempted suicides. This translates to an average of 212 cases annually, with approximately half resulting in fatalities.
During a parliamentary session on Friday, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, brought attention to these statistics in response to questions regarding the ministry’s suicide prevention initiatives.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted that the peak year for suicide and attempted suicide cases was 2019, which saw 244 incidents, with the Western Division reporting the highest numbers consistently over the past six years.
He emphasized the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide, advocating for a shift from a culture of silence and stigma to one characterized by openness, understanding, and support.
The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that approximately 800,000 individuals die by suicide globally each year.
Dr. Lalabalavu called for collective action to encourage dialogue on suicide and its prevention. He asserted that every discussion, no matter how minor, plays a role in fostering a supportive and empathetic community.
“By sparking these crucial conversations, we can dismantle barriers, enhance awareness, and cultivate stronger support networks,” he said. “Let’s initiate this dialogue in our churches, mosques, at sports events, and during kava sessions.”