Advocates push for targeted outreach to address rising male suicide rates
As male suicide rates continue to rise, mental health advocates are calling for more targeted interventions aimed at engaging men in spaces where they feel most comfortable.
The National Chairperson of Men for Gender Equality Now (MEGN), Marcel Chisi, highlighted the role of traditional masculinity in preventing men from seeking help for their mental health struggles.
He explained that societal expectations often dictate that men must be strong and resilient, making it difficult for them to open up about their emotional challenges.
According to Chisi, there is a need to establish strategies that will foster outreach initiatives that meet men where they are—such as in bars, social gatherings, and other community spaces.
It comes men continue to top the list of suicide cases with the latest statistics showing a total of 597 suicides were recorded in Malawi, with 522 of the victims being men in 2024 a significant increase from the previous year, when 479 men died by suicide.
Chisi stressed that engaging men in these familiar spaces could foster trust and promote meaningful conversations about mental health. “If we want to make real progress in addressing male suicides, we must go beyond traditional counseling sessions and reach men in their everyday environments,” Chisi said.
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