11/09/2026
Scottish Livingstone Hospital commemorates World Su***de Prevention and Awareness Day Commemoration
Scottish Livingstone Hospital and Kweneng District Council in partnership with Masego Mental Health,Thusang Bana Centre and Botswana Network for Mental Health hosted World Su***de Prevention and Awareness Day Commemoration this morning at Lekgwapheng Kgotla,Molepolole.
This year commemoration was observed under the theme 'Changing the narrative on Su***de' with an associated call to action of; 'Start the Conversation.'
Kgosi Kgari III welcomed the community. He informed them that today's gathering should educate, help us remove shame and connect so that we build a path for those facing suicidal thoughts to get help.He noted that su***de is not a sign of weakness and that the community must help eachother since su***de is preventable.
The Public Health Specialist,Primary Healthcare-Kweneng District Council,Dr.Terrence Mukuhwa outlined the objectives of the day as to equip families,peers, community members and frontline workers with the basic skills to recognise warning signs,initiative supportive conversations and refer individuals for appropriate assistance.In his address, Dr. Mukuhwa also mentioned another key objective for the commemoration as to encourage collective responsibility and coordinated action in su***de prevention by emphasis that everyone has a role to play.
When delivering the keynote address, the Clinical Social Worker, Addiction Specialist,Researcher and Senior Lecturer at the University of Botswana,Dr.Refilwe Precious Jeremiah said that today's gathering is a reflection that we stand together not only to remember those we have lost but to also renew our commitment to protecting lives, strengthening communities and ensuring that no one suffers alone in silence.
She indicated that from the World Population Review,studies indicate that Botswana exhibits one of the highest su***de rates within the SADC region,with a male su***de mortality rate reaching an anacceptably high of 26.3 per 100,000 people.Dr. Jeremiah further implored communities to promote connectedness and social support networks where people can talk about emotional problems.
The event kickstarted with an awareness walk from Scottish Livingstone Hospital to Lekgwapheng Kgotla followed by aerobics session.
In attendance were Bakwena Paramount Chief,Kgosi Kgari III, Member of Parliament-Molepolole South,Honorable Shima Monageng,Office of the District Commissioner, District Aids Coordinator,Thebephatshwa Airbase,Botswana Police,local schools- Lekgwapheng Primary School,Dithejwane Junior School,Al-Haq Primary School and other partners.
***de