Between 2016 and 2021, the Fiji Police Force reported a total of 1,276 suicides and attempted suicides. This equates to an average of 212 cases annually, with nearly half resulting in fatalities. Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, shared this information in Parliament on Friday while addressing questions about the ministry’s suicide prevention initiatives.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted that 2019 saw the highest incidence, with 244 recorded cases, and highlighted that the Western Division consistently reported the most cases over the six-year period. He emphasized the importance of changing the narrative surrounding suicide, advocating for a shift from silence and stigma to openness and support.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 800,000 individuals die by suicide each year. Dr. Lalabalavu urged the public to engage in discussions about suicide and its prevention, stating that even the smallest conversations can foster a more understanding and supportive community.
He called for these discussions to take place in various social settings, including churches, mosques, sports fields, and kava gatherings, emphasizing that initiating these crucial conversations can help break down barriers, enhance awareness, and promote better support cultures.