By James Innocent
Authorities and Health officials in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State are raising alarm over rising suicide cases.
According to the officials, the economic hardship, drug abuse, and alcohol misuse continue to push many residents into despair.
On Friday, a 40-year-old woman and a mother of two survived an attempted suicide in a community lodge near Has Petroleum in Yei.
Eyewitnesses said she locked herself inside her room and tried to hang herself with a leather belt before being rescued.
The incident comes amid a growing number of suicide cases reported in the area. Police say they have registered more than 16 cases this year, most linked to alcohol and drug abuse.
Health experts and community leaders warn that trauma from years of conflict, widespread unemployment, and economic stress are driving many, especially young people, into suicidal behaviour.
“Most of the people committing suicide are traumatized due to the hard economic situation in the country,” said Towongo Ronald, a medical official in Yei.
He urged non-governmental organizations to expand trauma-healing programs in the county.
The reports coincided with World Suicide Prevention Day, marked this month at Yei Freedom Square. Speaking at the event, health worker Simon Sebit Musoga encouraged residents to resist the growing trend of suicide despite ongoing hardship.
“Families and communities must provide stronger support systems to those in distress,” he said.
Youth leader Gaga Frank Osman stressed that unemployment and lack of opportunities were key drivers. “The government and partners must step up efforts to address unemployment among youth if we want to reduce suicide cases,” he said.
Ajania Amude, acting inspector of gender and social welfare, added that alcohol misuse is fueling the crisis, calling on young people to seek guidance from counselors.
Yei Prisons Acting Inspector Muhammed Hassan Ramadan echoed the need to address root causes, noting, “There is no smoke without fire.”
The Ministry of Health, together with partners, pledged during the commemoration to intensify awareness campaigns and provide more mental health support to prevent further loss of life.