Suicide Rates Among Young People in Namibia: A Growing Concern

Strategic Insights -

Namibia has one of the highest rates of suicide in Africa, with an estimated 9.7 cases per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The country's young people are particularly at risk, with suicide ranking as the third leading cause of death among those aged 15-29 in 2021. Jeremiah Mushunina's story is a stark reminder of the prevalence of youth suicide in Namibia. At 12 years old, Mushunina attempted to take his own life by hanging himself, and went on to make two more attempts in 2022 and 2024. His experiences highlight the complex mix of factors that contribute to teenage suicide, including bullying, peer pressure, abuse, and mental health disorders like depression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Namibian Police Force reported a 14-year-old boy committed suicide in Windhoek's Otjomuise area by hanging himself in July, and a 15-year-old boy hanged himself in Otjiwarongo just a few months prior.
  • Clinical psychologist Gregorius Amadhila highlights that trends in teenagers' mental health, suicide, and relationships with caregivers indicate a rising concern, specifying that suicide among teenagers is mostly caused by a complex mix of environmental, social, and psychological factors.
  • Amadhila advises guardians to be aware that young people may not always display signs of suffering and urges society to play a role in providing support, recommending that teenagers reach out for help from a friend, a parent, a counsellor, a teacher, a pastor, or a helpline.
  • The Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of Namibia's Bishop Lukas Katenda calls for targeted interventions from parents, communities, schools, health institutions, and religious groups to help young people grow up healthy and resilient.
  • Jeremiah Mushunina's story showcases an issue faced by many young people in Namibia, with the Youth Destiny Organisation he established aiming to encourage the youth to not commit suicide and to not give up.

Statistics:

  • Namibia has an estimated rate of 9.7 suicide cases per 100,000 people, ranking it among the highest in Africa.
  • In 2021, suicide was the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15-29 worldwide.
  • In July, a 14-year-old boy committed suicide in Windhoek's Otjomuise area, while a 15-year-old boy hanged himself in Otjiwarongo a few months prior.
  • In December 2024, a 16-year-old girl survived a suicide attempt after consuming a mixture of medications following an argument with her boyfriend.

Sources:

  • World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • The Namibian Police Force
  • One Economy Foundation
  • Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of Namibia
  • NAMPA