The All-Africa Conference: Sister to Sister (AAC:SS) has raised concern over Malawi’s escalating mental health crisis, citing a rise in suicide cases as a stark indicator.

The organization voiced its concern in a media statement released in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, which is being marked both in Malawi and globally.

According to Sister Stivelia MacLoud, Country Coordinator for AAC:SS, the current situation in Malawi amounts to a “silent mental health emergency.”

The statement follows recent data showing that the country recorded 153 suicide cases between January and March this year-125 involving men and 28 involving women.

”These figures are alarming,” said Sister Macloud. “What we are facing is not just a mental health issue, but also a gender issue, driven by societal expectations that associate masculinity with emotional suppression.”

She stressed the urgent need for a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle harmful gender norms and ensure individuals experiencing mental distress have access to timely and adequate support.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 73 percent of global suicide cases occur in low- and middle-income countries, often linked to factors such as debt, economic hardship, and marital problems.