STOP TREATING SUICIDE AS A PRIVATE PROBLEM

Kufanga calls for stronger mental-health support, protection from abuse and tighter controls on poisonous substances

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24 — 19 September 2026 — Zambia must stop treating suicide as an individual or private problem and instead strengthen mental-health support, address abuse and other pressures, make it easier for people to seek help, and restrict access to highly lethal poisons that can be used in suicide.

Swala Pilu Chief Executive Officer and Founder Mary Kufanga said the reported rise in suicide cases should be treated as a national concern requiring action from Government, families, churches, schools, communities and civil society organisations.

Kufanga said people facing depression, relationship problems, financial difficulties, abuse, family conflicts and other forms of emotional pain should not suffer in silence.

She said people going through difficult times should be encouraged to talk to trusted relatives, friends, neighbours, church leaders, counsellors or health professionals.

Kufanga said seeking help should never be viewed as a sign of weakness because early support could help prevent people from reaching a crisis point.

She said the reported death of a 33-year-old woman and her seven-year-old son in Mazabuka after they allegedly consumed a poisonous substance was particularly painful because it involved the loss of an innocent child.

Kufanga said the tragedy also raised serious questions about the challenges people could be facing behind closed doors.

She said relationship and domestic problems should not be dismissed or normalised, particularly where abuse was involved.

Kufanga urged young people to seek help when relationships become harmful, saying marriage and having children should not force anyone to remain in an abusive relationship.

She also challenged parents and guardians to stop advising children experiencing abuse to simply “stay, things will change”.

Kufanga said families should instead help victims seek appropriate support and protection.

According to Kufanga, suicide can have several contributing factors, including depression, traumatic experiences, family history, relationship and marital problems, financial difficulties, substance abuse and other overwhelming life circumstances.

She said Zambia therefore needed to create an environment where people could openly discuss their struggles and access professional support without fear or shame.

Kufanga further called for tighter controls on highly hazardous pesticides and other poisonous substances that are readily accessible, including through informal sellers.

She said Government and relevant authorities should consider measures such as identifying purchasers, keeping proper records of sales and providing guidance on the safe use of hazardous chemicals.

Kufanga said controlling access to highly poisonous substances should go hand in hand with mental-health education, suicide-prevention programmes and improved access to counselling and mental-health services.

She called on Government, traditional leaders, churches, civil society organisations, communities and families to work together to prevent suicide and support people facing difficult circumstances.

“Let us speak up. Let us listen. Let us support one another. Let us save lives,” Kufanga said.