Story by Tobias Mudzingwa
MEN have been urged to adopt proactive health-seeking behaviour and undergo regular medical check-ups amid concerns that delayed treatment is contributing to lower life expectancy among men.
The call comes as Zimbabwe joins the rest of the world in observing Men’s Health Month, with health experts warning that many men continue to postpone seeking medical attention until illnesses become severe.
Research indicates that men in Zimbabwe generally have a lower life expectancy than women, a trend partly attributed to reluctance to visit health facilities even when experiencing symptoms.
Members of the public say family responsibilities and societal expectations often cause men to neglect their own wellbeing.
“Men are so busy fending for their families that they sometimes forget about their own well-being. The pressures on men can be overwhelming,” a member of the public said.
Fear, ignorance and a tendency to dismiss symptoms have also been identified as major barriers preventing men from accessing healthcare early.
“It’s just ignorance, as well as fear of finding out that one may be suffering from a disease which they’d not have gone to be checked for at a clinic. So, you end up sicker than before,” a citizen said.
Some women echoed concerns that many men remain reluctant to seek medical attention despite health challenges.
“Men are physically strong but often emotionally vulnerable, so they may assume that being diagnosed with a disease is a death sentence. This fear of death discourages them from seeking help even when they need it,” a community member said.
While some men continue to rely on traditional remedies when they fall ill, practitioners have emphasised the importance of seeking professional medical care when symptoms persist.
Traditional healer Joshua Chigwida said herbal remedies may assist in addressing certain conditions but should not replace conventional treatment where necessary.
“I have been helping men for many years, and I can vouch for this medicine. But if it doesn’t work for you, then you should visit a health facility and seek treatment using conventional medicine.”
Medical doctor Dr Syd Mukonoweshuro warned that postponing treatment can lead to serious and, in some cases, irreversible health complications.
“What could have been treated in its infancy can be difficult or impossible to treat if left unchecked. It becomes costly, too. So, staying away from a health facility is not showing love to the ones men proclaim to love, but seeking assistance early means you’re able to get treatment and continue working for the ones you love.”
As Men’s Health Month draws to a close, health experts are encouraging men to take greater responsibility for their wellbeing through routine health screenings and timely medical intervention, stressing that early diagnosis and treatment remain critical to preventing serious illness and saving lives.
