30th May 2026  /  EAGLE FM

Suicide among the youth

Namibia currently faces a critical suicide crisis, with national authorities recording hundreds of suicide deaths and thousands of attempts annually. The crisis is predominantly driven by economic challenges, high unemployment, substance abuse, and relationship pressures.

Key Statistics

  • Current Rate: Historically, the official crude suicide rate stands at approximately 9.7 per 100,000 people, but officials acknowledge the current reality is significantly higher.
  • Historical Data (2023/2024): The Ministry of Health and Social Services recorded 542 suicide deaths and 2,937 attempted suicides.
  • Annual Trends: Provisional data from the Ministry of Health reported over 475 suicides during the 2024/2025 financial year, reflecting a persistently high trajectory.