SUICIDE FLAGGED AS LEADING CAUSE OF MORTALITY AMONG ADOLESCENTS

Article By: Marang Thuto-Gaborone

Botswana is facing rising concerns over adolescent mental health, as new research has revealed suicide as a leading cause of death among young people.

A recent study on adolescent mortality, revealed that children between the ages of 10 and 14 are more likely to die by suicide than those aged 15 to 19 years old. It also found that adolescent boys are at greater risk compared to girls. Alongside suicide, the report lists disease and road accidents as other significant contributors to youth mortality.

With a 2022 UNICEF report having ranked Botswana as a country with one of the highest suicide rates globally, the study raises concerns over the effectiveness of the country’s mental health awareness initiatives.