As the 10th September 2025 marked World Suicide Prevention Day, the Ministry of Health has indicated that suicide is a major public health concern, with more than 300 people taking their lives each year, particularly young males aged 16 to 30.
In a statement, the ministry said efforts to prevent suicide are focused on addressing a complex set of influencing factors, including psychological and socioeconomic challenges like job loss, debt, and substance use disorder.
Further, the ministry is actively working to implement evidence-based suicide prevention measures, including promoting mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and collaborating with various stakeholders such as law enforcement agencies, NGOs and community leaders.
The ministry has therefore urged every Motswana, including family members, friends, educators, and employers, to become ‘‘gatekeepers” in their communities. It further reiterates that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, and therefore, by working together, the nation can break down barriers of stigma, build a culture support and ensure that no one faces their struggle alone.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also stressed that suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720 000 people every year.
According to WHO, each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities around the world.
The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024–2026) is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
The organisation states this theme calls on us all to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, and foster open, compassionate conversations about suicide. It is about shifting from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy, and support — creating environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.
WHO highlights that changing the narrative also means driving systemic change. It calls for suicide prevention and mental health to be a priority in public policy, urging governments and institutions to take action. This includes developing and implementing evidence-based strategies, improving access to quality care, and ensuring that those in distress receive the support they need.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the World Health Organization. Each year, on 10 September, WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organisations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.
