Ongwediva to host mental health day commemoration
The University of Namibia (Unam) Oshakati Campus, through its Department of Nursing, has partnered with the Ongwediva Town Council to host a public commemoration of World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme “Community: Supporting Mental Well-being Together.”
The event will take place on Friday, 10 October 2025, at the Sam Nujoma Multi-Purpose Centre in Ongwediva.
It aims to bring together residents, students, health professionals and local leaders to discuss how communities can collectively support those struggling with mental health issues, reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
Namibia faces a persistent mental health crisis, with suicide rates among the highest in the region. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, over 600 suicide cases were reported in 2024 alone – the majority involving young people and men aged between 18 and 35.
Northern regions such as Oshana, Omusati and Ohangwena remain particularly affected.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has also expressed deep concern, urging traditional authorities to get involved.
Psychological and counselling services
She noted that while some link the suicides to unemployment, the Ohangwena Region recorded three suicides involving teachers aged 28, 34 and 39 within three days in June this year.
At the time, the Minister of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, urged schools to create safe spaces for teachers to access psychological and counselling services to help prevent suicides.
Mental health experts continue to warn that stigma and cultural misconceptions about mental illness prevent many Namibians from seeking professional help.
Ongwediva Town Council spokesperson Otillie Shingenge said that as one of the organisers, this year’s theme highlights the crucial role of families, schools, workplaces and faith-based organisations in promoting mental wellness.
“Addressing mental health is not just a health sector issue – it’s a collective responsibility. Communities need to create safe spaces for conversations, empathy and healing,” Shingenge said.
She added that through awareness talks, testimonies and resource-sharing, the event seeks to break the silence around depression, anxiety and suicide while promoting accessible support networks at the local level.
World Mental Health Day is commemorated annually across the globe to raise awareness, challenge stigma and advocate for better access to mental health care.
The event will take place on Friday, 10 October 2025, at the Sam Nujoma Multi-Purpose Centre in Ongwediva.
It aims to bring together residents, students, health professionals and local leaders to discuss how communities can collectively support those struggling with mental health issues, reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviour.
Namibia faces a persistent mental health crisis, with suicide rates among the highest in the region. According to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, over 600 suicide cases were reported in 2024 alone – the majority involving young people and men aged between 18 and 35.
Northern regions such as Oshana, Omusati and Ohangwena remain particularly affected.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has also expressed deep concern, urging traditional authorities to get involved.
Psychological and counselling services
She noted that while some link the suicides to unemployment, the Ohangwena Region recorded three suicides involving teachers aged 28, 34 and 39 within three days in June this year.
At the time, the Minister of Education, Sanet Steenkamp, urged schools to create safe spaces for teachers to access psychological and counselling services to help prevent suicides.
Mental health experts continue to warn that stigma and cultural misconceptions about mental illness prevent many Namibians from seeking professional help.
Ongwediva Town Council spokesperson Otillie Shingenge said that as one of the organisers, this year’s theme highlights the crucial role of families, schools, workplaces and faith-based organisations in promoting mental wellness.
“Addressing mental health is not just a health sector issue – it’s a collective responsibility. Communities need to create safe spaces for conversations, empathy and healing,” Shingenge said.
She added that through awareness talks, testimonies and resource-sharing, the event seeks to break the silence around depression, anxiety and suicide while promoting accessible support networks at the local level.
World Mental Health Day is commemorated annually across the globe to raise awareness, challenge stigma and advocate for better access to mental health care.
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