Health Systems Trust

Nov 22

Men’s Health is a collective responsibility

Siyabonga Gema on 2024-11-22 10:42 AM

By Siyabonga Gema (HST Communications Officer)

Men's Health Awareness Month, celebrated every November, aims to raise awareness of preventable health problems and to encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys. Generally, the focus of this month has always been on prostate cancer awareness but, over the years, the focus has broadened to mental health issues amplifying the need for a more holistic approach to men's health. This perspective considers the whole person, including their physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.

Unfortunately, men are known for their slow uptake of health services. A study conducted in 2023 revealed that socio-cultural norms played a significant role in men's reluctance to seek medical help, as it was perceived as a sign of weakness. The scarcity of male healthcare professionals hinders open discussions. Stigma and discrimination were identified as substantial barriers. Convenience, trust, confidentiality concerns, and intimate partners' influence also impacts on men's decision-making. These findings suggest that a strategic approach must be adopted involving various role players – including men themselves – to change behaviour and encourage men to take their health more seriously.

In 2020, the South African government launched the South African Integrated Men's Health Strategy 2020-2025. It aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated package of care for men and boys across their life-time. The strategy seeks to improve the overall health and well-being of men and boys, maximising opportunities by applying a gender-informed lens to health.

As part of the Strategy, seven factors were identified as key causes of morbidity and mortality for all South African men, namely:

HIV and AIDS
TB
Sexual health
Chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol)
Cardiovascular disease
Prostate and testicular cancers
Mental health

Men's health issues, like all other health matters, call for collaboration across all sectors. Health organisations are increasingly taking up the role of support partners for the National Department of Health, where they provide technical and human resource support in combatting men's health issues in communities. The Health Systems Trust (HST) undertakes various programmes targeted at empowering men to be more health-conscious. This year, HST was a part of the launch of a Men's Clinic, which is situated at the Umngeni Hospital in the Umgungundlovu District. This men-centred initiative was a response to the negative experiences of men in public health facilities and the stigma attached to seeking health services.

Another initiative that HST is a part of, is Isibaya Samadoda, an ongoing public engagement in communities where men are given the platform to empower one another, tackle health-related issues, and provide much-needed advice to young men in their communities. In May this year, the community of KwaMandlakazi Village, KwaNongoma in the Zululand District, took part in such an event, in a session that was facilitated by HST's Community Engager, Nhlanhla Mazibuko. Over and above this, HST continues with health advocacy efforts where we raise awareness of pressing issues such as mental health issues, prostate cancer and U=U.