As many countries observe International Men’s Day on 19 November, City Health invites men to exploit the health services available to them. Statistics show that this group continues to lag far behind in terms of overall access to services.
Men’s Day puts the spotlight on the many issues that men face, from health to mental wellness and abuse.
The theme for International Men’s Day 2023 is ‘Zero Male Suicide’, which focuses on helping men and boys to manage their mental health.
According to the World Health Organisation, there were 13 774 recorded suicide deaths in South Africa in 2019, with 10 861 of the fatalities involving males.
City Health currently has three clinical psychologists servicing 15 facilities, namely Albow Gardens, Bloekombos, Delft South, Dr Ivan Toms, Fish Hoek, Gugulethu, Ikhwezi, Kuyasa, Langa, Masiphumelele, Matthew Goniwe, Muizenberg, Phumlani, Wallacedene, Wesbank.
More information on the sites is available here:
In the past 12 months, men have made up just under a third of clients who access the service.
The figures for general healthcare too remain a concern.
According to City Health records for the past three years, men account for only:
· 27% of the overall headcount at primary healthcare facilities
· 33% of patients receiving treatment for Diabetes
· 32% of patients receiving treatment for Hypertension
‘These statistics are symptomatic of an ongoing challenge that we face in our bid to get more men to access critical primary healthcare services. Healthy families and communities start with healthy individuals. As a society, we need to start changing the narrative – it is perfectly fine, and in fact encouraged, for everyone to know their health status, to ask for help if they are not coping with the stresses and strains of life, and to access the lifesaving services that are available.
‘The City introduced mental health services in response to the increasing burden that many of our residents are facing. We live in a country where, according to statistics, men are three times more likely to die by suicide, than women. Since 2007, we have also opened eight substance abuse treatment facilities. I want to plead with the men in our communities to fully exploit any services they may need, and to have regular physical health checks, for the love of themselves, and their families,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia Van der Ross.
