A top psychologist has blamed the sharp rise in suicide cases in Malawi on the absence of trust on confidential issues among the citizenry an attribute that, if developed, could curb the raging problem.

Dr. Charles Masulani Mwale, Director of Services at St John of God Hospitaller Services, is urging religious leaders to help people build trust and confidantes, especially among men, so they share their problems and not fear being the centre and subject of ridicule in the process.

The observation comes as Malawi today joins the world commemorating World Suicide Prevention Day meant to reduce stigma and raise awareness to prevent suicide.

The Malawi Police Service said this month that suicide cases had risen to 281 this year from 220 cases last year.

Deputy National Police Spokesperson Harry Namwaza told Zodiak debts, broken relationships, family conflicts and drug and substance abuse are major factors contributing factors.

Namwaza said out of 281 people who have committed suicide this year, 246 are men and 36 are women.