International Men’s Health Week, which is marked each year during the week leading up to Father’s Day, is a crucial platform for raising awareness about the importance of men’s health, so as to position the issue of men’s health on the proverbial map.
Men are said to be good with numbers. If you were to ask a man who is keen on football to name the statistics for the greatest of all time in terms of goals scored, or a Formula 1 enthusiast to name the man with the greatest number of wins, you would be surprised by the amount of information you would get in that one conversation. Ask certain men to provide you with details on matters such as politics or business leadership you would be ready to be schooled in the matter. In contrast, unfortunately, not many men are as aware of the important statistics when it comes to their health numbers when we consider markers such as body mass index, blood pressure or the cholesterol levels that should maintained in order to maintain their health.
Despite being pillars in many families and communities, Kenyan men tend to place their health at the bottom of their priority list. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like, “I don’t need a doctor, I just need rest” or “I’m too busy to be sick.”, or the belief in the notion that another pain killer will resolve the situation. This culture of stoicism, while romanticised as masculine resilience, can prove fatal. Many men will delay seeing a doctor until a condition has become critical, ironically, giving their cars better care with regular check-ups and servicing, but neglecting their own physical and mental health.
The Health Statistics Tell a Stark Story
Research on public health studies has shown that:
- Men have been said to have a shorter life expectancy than women.
- The incidence of preventable conditions is rising among men.
- Prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths, yet prostate screening uptake is dismally low.
- Mental health issues, especially depression and suicide, disproportionately affect men, but very few come forward for therapy or counselling due to stigma.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, often due to societal expectations around masculinity and a cultural stigma that associates emotional vulnerability with weakness (APA, 2020). This reluctance to seek help can lead to untreated mental health conditions, which are linked to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity in the workplace. The Kenyan society has traditionally held rigid views about masculinity: men are supposed to be providers, protectors, and problem-solvers. This cultural script has led many men to bottle up stress, anxiety, and trauma, often turning to drugs, alcohol or other risky behaviours instead of seeking help. The numbers of reported suicides have increased, with men accounting for the higher numbers of these cases.
It’s Time for a Cultural Reset
Changing this trajectory requires more than just annual campaigns and slogans; it demands a cultural reset. It starts with normalising conversations about men’s health, both physical and mental. Just as it’s normal to cheer for a football team or discuss car engine specs, it should be normal to talk about regular check-ups, mental health struggles, nutrition, and early diagnostic check-up's.
Workplaces, schools, religious institutions, and social circles must become safe spaces for these conversations. And let’s not forget the powerful role women play in encouraging their partners, brothers, sons, and fathers to seek medical attention early.
The legal fraternity in Kenya is not immune to these issues. Long hours, high-pressure environments, and emotionally taxing cases can take a significant toll on both physical and mental health. Although historically there was silence when it came to the issue of well-being in legal circles, it is worth noting the effort the Law Society of Kenya has made in including seminars on mental wellbeing as part of their continuous professional development courses.
Employers must take the lead in championing holistic wellness. This includes:-
- Creating human resource tools that include men’s health policies;
- Creating space for mental health days and counselling support;
- Encouraging annual medical check-ups as part of firm culture; and
- Destigmatising vulnerability by encouraging open conversations and mentorship.
Conclusion
The theme for 2025, "Shoulder-to-Shoulder: Connecting for Health," emphasises the importance of community and connection in supporting men’s physical and mental well-being. Such initiatives encourage men and boys to seek early diagnosis, consider preventive measures, maintain overall mental and physical wellness, and encourage and challenge men to make healthier habits and choices.
As we celebrate Men’s Health Week, let it not be just a calendar event but a wake-up call. Kenyan men deserve to live long, healthy lives, not just for themselves, but for the families, communities, and nations they help build. Let’s shift the narrative from “I’m fine” to “I’m getting checked.” After all, men must be and give the best versions of themselves.
*Contributors
Hillary Musoma
