The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concern over the rising number of suicides in Eswatini, urging urgent and coordinated action to save lives. The Kingdom of Eswatini ranks second globally in suicide rates, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Speaking ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day in Mbabane, WHO Eswatini Representative Dr. Susan Tembo emphasized that suicide is not solely a health issue but a societal challenge requiring commitment from government, communities, institutions, and the media.
In preparation for the observance, WHO conducted a media engagement attended by over 40 media practitioners, including journalists, radio announcers, and program producers. The training aimed to equip media houses with knowledge on suicide risks and prevention strategies, while promoting responsible reporting to reduce imitation and help curb the rising cases. Dr. Tembo highlighted that stigma remains a major barrier to care, often preventing individuals from seeking help, and encouraged the media to lead in dismantling stigma through the WHO LIVE LIFE framework, which identifies media engagement as a key intervention for suicide prevention.
Dr. Tembo underscored that suicide can be prevented through strong multisector collaboration, accountability, and adequate resources, pledging WHO’s continued support to the Ministry of Health and partners in technical expertise, training, and capacity building. Between 2021 and 2025, Eswatini recorded 387 suicide-related cases at health facilities, while data from the Royal Eswatini Police Service showed 486 completed suicides between 2022 and 2024, with 80% men and 69% of victims aged 25 years and above. The most common methods were poisoning with insecticides, hangings, firearm-related suicides, and self-inflicted injuries such as burning, stabbing, or jumping under moving vehicles.
Ministry of Health Senior Medical Officer Dr. Adman Shabangu highlighted vulnerable groups, including adolescents and young adults, women of reproductive age, people with untreated mental illnesses, victims of abuse or trauma, those with substance use disorders, isolated or marginalized individuals, and those facing financial or relational stress. The government aims to reduce suicide rates by one-third by 2030, and through collaboration with WHO and other partners, it plans to increase public awareness, strengthen health education, and enhance the health sector’s capacity to respond effectively.
WHO concluded by urging media and communities to spread awareness, foster compassion, challenge stigma, and create pathways to healing. Through training and engagement, media houses across Eswatini are now better equipped to report responsibly on suicide-related cases, helping prevent copycat incidents and contributing to the country’s broader suicide prevention efforts.
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