The Malawi Council of Churches(MCC) has declared the current rising suicide cases as an epidemic after the Malawi Police Service disclosed that 29 people have committed suicide in January this year.
The police report also confirmed that there were 383 recorded cases of suicide in 2022.
The statement signed by MCC Executive Board Chairperson Rev. Dr. Billy Gama and General Secretary Rev. Alemekezeke Phir said the situation is worrisome and has called upon it’s member churches to play a role in suicide prevention.
“The council would like to call upon it’s member churches to play a role in suicide prevention by having lessons about mental health issues as many churches in Malawi are remaining silent on mental illness which denies church members to know ways of dealing with such situations.
“We also urge them to dispel misconceptions about suicide and faith which can deeply wound both those who are dealing with suicidal thoughts and their loved ones. Church members should also be taught to stop thinking that depression is a sign of a lack of faith as this notion can cause unnecessary guilty for those who are suffering, adding to their struggles” reads the statement
MCC has also advised it’s member churches to encourage treatment by advising those with mental health challenges to seek appropriate care in Hospitals, Social Welfare Offices, Police and Counseling Centres than just relying on faith and prayer alone.
The Council has further tipped Government with some measures that can help reduce suicide cases in the country.
“Extreme poverty due to high unemployment rate has contributed to many suicide cases so Government should find ways of reducing poverty. Mental health illiteracy is another factor, there is lack of civic education at grass root level on mental health issues in Malawi so Government must take the lead in community level interventions which must involve strategies to help attitudes towards mental related issues.
“Mental health institutions are also few in the country and there remains a gap of multi professional to strengthen the awareness on mental health, including coping skills”
MCC is an ecumenical Christian umbrella body of 25 member churches spread across Malawi and represents the voice of the voiceless.
The council has para-church affiliates in the health, education, governance, climate change and food security, youth and women ministry, and pursues and promotes human dignity.
