Namibia's Vice President Lucia Witbooi has reiterated the call on citizens to speak out when facing life challenges, saying the country cannot afford to remain silent in the face of rising mental health struggles. 

This came as Lifeline/ChildLine celebrated its 45th anniversary in Windhoek.

Namibians have been urged to be their brother's keepers and show compassion when addressing social issues, particularly those affecting men's mental health.

Psychiatrist in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), Dr. Hileni Ndjaba, has reminded men to speak out and seek professional help when dealing with mental health challenges instead of suffering in silence.

Suicide has recently become a major concern in Namibia, with rising rates causing alarm among the government and communities.

The Victory Youth Group (VYG) held a Mega Help event aimed at empowering young people to overcome challenges and become visionary leaders.

The Kavango East Region is grappling with a concerning mental health crisis, recording 4,492 cases in 2023 and 2024.

This was shared during an event to raise mental health awareness among the boy child, held in Rundu.

A young man, reported to have been mentally unstable, allegedly jumped from the sixth floor of Katutura Hospital over the weekend and died instantly in what authorities suspect to be suicide.

The Universal Church held a march against suicide aimed at raising awareness and addressing mental health issues faced by men and women.

Namibia ranks as one of the countries in Africa with the highest suicide rates, with over 80% being males.

Clinical psychologist Joab Mudzanapabwe has urged men to create positive spaces for entertainment and interaction. 

Speaking at the Men on the Move event, held as part of Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Mudzanapabwe challenged men to come up with initiatives that promote fun, connection, and wellbeing.

As Namibia observed World Suicide Prevention Day today, statistics reveal that the country recorded 542 cases of suicide between 2023 and 2024 and 124 between January and March this year.

The media and stakeholders of the One Economy Foundation have applauded the work of the Foundation as well as the operations of the #BeFree Youth Campus in the heart of Katutura.

The Foundation held a celebration event, which also included a tour of the campus on Friday.