The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) hopes to shed light on the neglected aspects of men’s and boys’ health while exploring the barriers to care and societal influences and actions needed to empower males to prioritise their well-being.
According to CoE spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, to commemorate June as Men’s Health Month, they want to heighten awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.
Dlamini said though general health awareness was increasingly prioritised, there is not adequate attention to discussions addressing men’s and boys’ health.
“Men’s and boys’ health is an important but frequently ignored aspect in many communities despite efforts to raise awareness about it. There is a cultural expectation for men to be strong in all circumstances,” said Dlamini.
“Men and boys are also taught to be self-reliant, which makes them feel the pressure to be strong even when they need to shed tears.”
Dlamini said the isiZulu phrase ‘indoda ayikhali – a man does not cry’, is a masculine norm that forces and hinders men and boys from showing vulnerability or expressing their emotions.
He said stigma and such expectations can discourage men and boys from seeking help whenever a need arises.
Societies must understand everyone has emotions and moments of vulnerability, regardless of gender.
According to the World Health Organisation, millions of men around the world die due to entirely preventable lifestyle diseases, such as heart disease, lung disease, colon- and prostate cancers, diabetes and liver disease.
He urged men and boys to prioritise their health by seeking early detection of ailments through regular visits to healthcare facilities, healthy eating, and physical fitness.
Dlamini added men’s and boys’ health was important – not only for their well-being but also for society.
It is a societal responsibility to create healthier communities and improve health outcomes for men.
