MPs express concern over rising suicide cases

Members of Parliament on Thursday expressed concern over the rising number of suicide cases in Malawi, particularly among men, and called for urgent interventions to address the growing crisis.

The concerns were raised after Member of Parliament for Mzimba West, Ackim Kumwenda, informed Parliament of the alarming increase in suicide cases in his constituency and sought the government’s intervention through the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.

Kumwenda said his constituency had lost four people to suicide within 48 hours, describing the situation as unprecedented and deeply worrying.

He further disclosed that since January, Mzimba West Constituency has recorded 22 suicide-related deaths, prompting him to bring the matter before the House to seek support in identifying the root causes and finding lasting solutions.

The legislator attributed the rise in suicide cases mainly to marital and financial challenges affecting many people in the constituency.

Responding to the concerns, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare Mary Navicha said the country needs to change its social norms by encouraging people facing personal challenges to seek help rather than suffer in silence.

She urged people to speak openly with trusted friends, family members, traditional leaders and other respected community figures, adding that healthcare professionals, including nurses and doctors, are also available to provide support.

“Even nurses and doctors can help. Locking yourself indoors and suffering in silence is not a solution,” Navicha said.

The minister said her ministry is implementing several interventions, including the Male Engagement Strategy, which encourages men to participate in round-table discussions on mental health and suicide prevention.

Navicha reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of men, boys and all Malawians through psychosocial support and awareness programmes.

She also announced plans to train Members of Parliament in psychosocial counselling, noting that legislators also experience trauma and emotional stress, particularly during and after election campaigns. Similar support, she said, will be extended to civil servants, business people and communities across the country.

The minister added that the Ministry of Gender is working closely with the Ministries of Information and Digitalisation, Justice, and Health to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing suicide cases nationwide.

Several Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition benches, as well as Cabinet ministers, contributed to the debate by offering recommendations on how the country can better address the growing mental health challenge.