Fresh statistics reveal that 1,141 deaths have been linked to suicide in the country between January 2024 and June 2025, raising concern among mental health experts and policymakers
Dar/Dodoma. Tanzania yesterday joined the rest of the world in marking World Suicide Prevention Day under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”.
Fresh statistics reveal that 1,141 deaths have been linked to suicide in the country between January 2024 and June 2025, raising concern among mental health experts and policymakers.
The figures, compiled from police records in collaboration with Mirembe National Mental Health Hospital (MNHH), highlight the urgency of addressing mental health challenges that are frequently cited as a root cause of suicide. The reported cases range from poisoning and hanging to stabbing and shooting.
MNHH executive director Paul Lawala said the institution is collaborating with the Ministry of Health and the Dodoma Institute of Health and Allied Sciences (DIHAS) to strengthen training for healthcare providers.
“We recently relaunched the Higher Diploma in Mental Healthcare course after discovering gaps, particularly among nurses. While psychiatrists specialise in mental health treatment, there is a pressing need to equip nurses with similar skills to expand services nationwide,” he added.
Dr Lawala called for a review of laws criminalising suicide attempts, arguing that this worsens stigma and discourages those at risk from seeking help.
“A suicide attempt is not a crime; it is a cry of despair. Instead of punishment, victims need mental health support and society must focus on addressing the underlying causes.”
Global and local perspectives
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide each year, with men accounting for most cases.
Muhimbili National Hospital psychiatrist Said Kuganda linked this gender disparity to cultural expectations.
“Culturally, men are expected to be strong and not show emotions. This prevents them from opening up about frustrations, leaving them vulnerable. Women may attempt suicide more often, but men’s attempts are more likely to be fatal,” he said.
Government efforts
In a statement released yesterday, the Health ministry highlighted steps being taken to combat suicide.
Chief Medical Officer Grace Magembe said these include awareness campaigns, strengthening counselling services in health facilities and launching a free psychological support helpline (199). Citizens can also access counselling by sending SMS messages to 15061.
A psychiatrist at MNHH, Dr Veronica Lymo, said people aged 15–29 remain particularly vulnerable due to peer pressure and societal expectations. Other high-risk groups include those with chronic illness, trauma survivors and patients diagnosed with conditions such as depression, PTSD and substance abuse.
She also pointed to the influence of modern pressures, including cyberbullying and negative social media experiences.
“We all share responsibility to protect one another. Saying no to online violence and offering support can save lives.”
Dr Lymo advised families and communities to take suicidal signals seriously by ensuring affected individuals are not left alone, restricting access to harmful objects and seeking immediate medical attention.
“Fighting suicide is not just the responsibility of government or hospitals; it is a collective responsibility,” she said.
Financial stress ‘a trigger’
Meanwhile, Dodoma Regional Medical Officer Thomas Rutachunzibwa encouraged health workers to explore additional income streams as a way of reducing financial stress.
“Many financial struggles trigger suicidal thoughts. Healthcare workers and indeed all of us, should consider side businesses to ease economic hardship and keep mentally engaged beyond work hours,” he said.
Stakeholders agreed that suicide prevention requires a multi-sectoral approach, combining medical, legal and community interventions to address underlying drivers and save lives.
