OMUTHIYA – The health ministry’s chief social worker for the Oshikoto region, Ruth Shoombe, has urged individuals to seek counselling to address the growing number of suicide cases.

Shoombe made the statement in an interview with Nampa on Tuesday in response to the rising suicide attempts and suicides in the region this year.

Statistics indicate that Oshikoto region recorded 95 suicide attempts and 34 suicides between January and September. 

According to Shoombe, most of these cases are a result of miscommunication and relationship problems.

“People who have attempted suicide range in age from 16 years to over 70. Onandjokwe District Hospital has reported the highest number of suicide attempts, totalling 33, with the majority occurring in the 40-year age group,” she said.

She further mentioned that 16 to 18-year-olds often attempt suicide due to family issues, while older individuals do so because of relationship and family problems.

“We provide counselling, engage in conversations with individuals to understand their concerns and educate them on the value of life,” Shoombe said.

In addition, she said they try to connect people with counselling groups within the community, such as Londoloka, under the Roman Catholic group and the Red Cross Society.

“We also raise awareness in the community by educating people about preventive measures,” she said. 

- Nampa