WHO sounds the alarm on the rising number of suicides in Eswatini

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the rising number of suicides in Eswatini, calling for urgent and coordinated action to save lives.

The Kingdom of Eswatini is ranked 2^nd in the Global Suicide ranking. Speaking at a media engagement in preparation for the World Suicide Prevention Day commemoration in Mbabane, the WHO Eswatini Representative Dr Susan Tembo stressed that suicide is not just a health issue but a shared societal responsibility that requires the commitment of all sectors including the government, communities, institutions, and the media.

The media engagement meeting attended by over 40 media practitioners including Journalists, radio continuity announcers and radio programme producers and was aimed at equipping media houses across the country with vital knowledge on the risks of suicide and its prevention measures. The training also focused on responsible reporting of suicide-related cases, aiming to reduce the risk of imitations and curb the rising cases of suicide.

"Suicide is not just a health issue, it's a shared societal responsibility. Tackling it requires coordinated action across government, communities, and institutions," said Dr Tembo during the meeting. She noted that stigma continues to be one of the greatest obstacles to care, often discouraging people from seeking help. The organization urged the media to take the lead in dismantling stigma and promoting responsible reporting in line with the WHO LIVE LIFE framework, which identifies media engagement as one of four key interventions for suicide prevention.

Dr Tembo emphasized that suicide can be prevented through strong multisector collaboration, accountability, and adequate resources. She further pledged continued support to the Ministry of Health and partners, including technical expertise, training, and capacity building.

"Together we can change the narrative. Together we can save lives," she affirmed.

Statistics show the between 2021 and 2025, Eswatini recorded 387 suicide-related cases at health facilities. Data from the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) revealed that between 2022 and 2024, there were 486 completed suicides, of which 80% were men and 20% women. The majority of victims (69%) were aged 25 years and above. The most common methods were:

Poisoning using insecticides accounting to 252 cases (52%), hangings - 212 cases (44%), firearm-related suicides - 6 cases (1%) and self-inflicted injuries such as burning, stabbing, or throwing oneself under a moving vehicle - 16 cases (3%)

Speaking at the same event, Ministry of Health Senior medical Officer Dr Adman Shabangu highlighted several vulnerable groups, including adolescents and young adults, women of reproductive age, people with untreated mental illnesses, victims of abuse and trauma, people with substance use disorders, isolated, unemployed, or marginalized individuals as well as those facing financial or relational stress.

The Kingdom of Eswatini wants to reduce its suicide Rates by 1/3 by 2030. Dr Shabangu explained that the Ministry of Health, through assistance from WHO and other partners wants to increase public awareness and health education on suicide prevention and strengthen the health sector's capacity to respond effectively.

As such, WHO concluded by urging the media and communities to carry the message forward, spark compassion, challenge stigma, and open doors to healing.

he Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has equipped media houses across the country with vital knowledge on the risks of suicide and its prevention measures.

The training also focused on responsible reporting of suicide-related cases, aiming to reduce the risk of copycat incidents and curb the rising cases in society.