November is a month dedicated to highlighting the challenges men face, from physical health to mental and emotional well-being. As the world marks International Men’s Day and Movember, the City of Cape Town is strengthening its commitment to helping men take charge of their health through more accessible, compassionate, and holistic care.
Recent data from City Health shows that overall healthcare attendance by men has remained largely stable over the past two years, with only a 1.5% decline. However, the statistics also reveal that men continue to face unique barriers to seeking help early.
The City’s male-focused clinics present mixed trends. Kuyasa Male Clinic has seen a significant 27.2% increase in attendance, suggesting that supportive, stigma-free environments encourage men to seek care. Meanwhile, Site B Male Clinic reported a 4.8% decline, highlighting the need for more targeted interventions in certain communities.
These patterns emphasise a longstanding concern: men still access healthcare less frequently than women, and many wait until health issues become severe. Late diagnoses of non-communicable diseases, HIV, tuberculosis, and mental health conditions remain a major challenge.
To address this, the City has expanded its men’s health programme to include mental health screenings as part of routine care. This approach recognises that physical health cannot be separated from emotional and psychological well-being.
Councillor Francine Higham, Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, said that men often shoulder their struggles silently. She emphasised that the City’s approach offers not only medical support but also compassion, encouraging fathers, brothers, and sons to see seeking help as a sign of strength.
The City’s efforts extend beyond clinical services. Community outreach programmes, workplace wellness sessions, and public awareness activities are playing a key role in reducing stigma, promoting early screening, and creating safe spaces for men to talk openly about their health.
The improvement seen at Kuyasa Male Clinic demonstrates how dedicated interventions designed with men in mind can make a meaningful difference.
Councillor Higham added that every man deserves to live a healthy and purposeful life, and that by thinking differently about healthcare delivery, the City is helping build communities that value and support men’s well-being.
As Movember continues, the City of Cape Town encourages all men to prioritise their health by booking a check-up, speaking to a healthcare professional, or even starting a simple conversation about how they feel.
For more information about men’s wellness services, mental health support, or community outreach events, residents are encouraged to visit their nearest City Health clinic or follow the City’s official communication channels.
