Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha has urged men to speak openly about their emotional struggles and seek help, saying harmful social expectations that discourage men from expressing emotions are contributing to the rising number of suicide cases.
Navicha made the remarks in Parliament on Thursday during a debate on rising suicide cases in Mzimba West Constituency after four people died by suicide within 48 hours, prompting calls for urgent government intervention on mental health and psychosocial support.
The issue was raised as a matter of urgent public importance by the Mzimba West Member of Parliament, Aeckim Kumwenda, who told the House that the deaths had created fear and concern among communities in Traditional Authority Mpherembe.
Kumwenda said he was informed on June 30, 2026, about a suicide case in GVH Chinombo, Traditional Authority Mpherembe. While travelling to the funeral, he said, he received news of another suicide case.
The MP added that while attending the burial, two more suicide cases were reported within the same area, bringing the total number of deaths to four within a 48-hour period.
“The people of Mzimba West are seeking the intervention of the ministry responsible for gender and social welfare to support us in raising awareness and addressing the underlying causes of these rising suicide cases,” the MP told Parliament.
He said the situation required immediate attention, revealing that the constituency had recorded more than 10 suicide deaths in the past six months. He called for increased awareness campaigns, psychosocial support and stronger community interventions.
Responding to the concerns, Navicha said suicide is a complex public health and social welfare challenge influenced by several factors, including mental health struggles, family conflicts, substance abuse, economic pressures and other social vulnerabilities.
She said government, through the Department of Social Welfare, would strengthen psychosocial support services and work with health officials, traditional leaders, faith leaders and communities to identify and assist people facing emotional distress.
“Please speak out, cry, cry. I am encouraging you to cry whenever you are facing challenges. True strength is found in having the courage to speak out and seek support,” Navicha said.
She urged Malawians to challenge social beliefs that discourage men from expressing emotions, saying seeking help should not be viewed as a sign of weakness.
“Society has taught us that men should be strong, hide their emotions and carry their struggles in silence. Today I wish to challenge that belief. Let us cry, men, and create homes and communities where everyone feels safe to share their burdens,” she said.
Contributing to the debate, the Lilongwe Msinja South Member of Parliament, Francis Belekanyama said economic hardships were among the major issues contributing to emotional distress among citizens.
He cited unemployment, low incomes, financial pressures and difficulties faced by farmers, civil servants and young graduates as challenges requiring national attention.
“Time has come for this national dialogue to honestly discuss the economic hardships our people are facing,” he said.
However, Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri cautioned against linking suicide cases to economic hardship alone, saying the issue has multiple causes.
Phiri said factors such as marital problems, bereavement and other personal challenges also contribute to suicide cases and called for a balanced understanding of the problem.
“There are so many attributes to suicide beyond salaries. There are people facing marital challenges, deaths and many other circumstances, so we should not present low salaries as the only cause,” Phiri said.
The debate ended with calls for a coordinated national response involving government institutions, health workers, community leaders, families and civil society organisations to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and ensure people facing emotional difficulties receive timely support.
