The Malawi 2063 vision will be hard to reach if suicide cases continue at the rate they are going, the Global Business Research Consultants Limited (GBRC) executive director Shingirai Loga said on Friday in Blantyre.

Speaking at the launch of the organisation’s launch of a report on suicide and a campaign to fight suicide among the youth in the country, Loga said if left unchecked, the government vision for 2063 will be in vain.

Launching the report on the research conducted from January 2021 to December 2022 across the country, the organisation recorded 648 suicide deaths.

“Recently, there has been a public outcry in the country following premature deaths on the number of young people. It is not yet established why suicide cases are on the rise in the country. The governance and future of this nation belong to these young people in 2063.

“Leaders and community members must work together to address the issue of suicide and educate the public about its negative impacts. Suicide has a broad and lasting impact on individuals, families, and society as a whole,” he said.

Loga added that GBRC has committed to engage with all traditional leaders in Blantyre.

He said: “The rational for the local leaders is that they are custodians of our culture, families, communities and the nation as a whole.”

Speaking at the function, Senior Group Village Headman Magasa highlighted several factors that contribute to the commission of suicide by youth, including issues at the family level, community level, and education level.

“To address the issue of suicide among youth, it is necessary to implement a legal framework that promotes a supportive environment for young people,” he said.

 Sub-inspector Makumbi from the Chilomoni Police Station advised traditional leaders and parents to handle the behaviors and actions of youth with care, as harsh reactions can contribute to suicide.

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