The City of Cape Town is growing increasingly concerned about the declining health engagement among men, as statistics reveal a 15% drop in the number of men attending health facilities. Patricia van der Ross, the MMC for Community Services and Health, urged men, particularly those aged 40 and above, to undergo regular health screenings for hypertension and diabetes. However, she also highlighted a concerning trend that younger men, aged 18 to 40, are being diagnosed with chronic health conditions, partly due to lifestyle habits.
In the 2023/2024 financial year, 1,101,765 men visited city clinics, compared to 1,294,229 in the previous year. This decline is alarming, as it indicates a reduction in proactive health checks and early detection of preventable conditions. To address this, the City’s Health Department organized a men’s health event at the Gugulethu Clinic on November 19, where men were encouraged to undergo regular health check-ups.
At the event, men were advised to get tested for various health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular diseases, tuberculosis, cardiovascular diseases, and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and HIV. These conditions, which are increasingly affecting men, particularly in the 40-plus age group, require early detection and regular monitoring to prevent serious health complications.
Pastor Mawande Lugongolo, founder of the Lugongolo Foundation, voiced his support for improving access to healthcare services for men. He pointed out that many men working in informal sectors struggle to visit clinics due to their working conditions. Many of these men are employed in no-work-no-pay environments, where taking time off for a doctor’s appointment is often not an option.
Lugongolo also noted the challenges posed by clinic hours. “Men don’t easily get days off in informal jobs, and they often work late. Clinics close at 4 p.m., and some even have a ‘cut-off’ time. If you arrive at 3 p.m., you might not be seen, which discourages many from attending,” he said.
Lugongolo also emphasized the need for more tailored services for men. He argued that men often only visit clinics for HIV testing or STI treatment and suggested creating a “bucket list” of services specifically for men. Additionally, he raised concerns about the treatment some men receive at health facilities, noting that some feel they are treated poorly or unwelcomed by clinic staff. He called for a more respectful and professional approach to male patients.
“We’re not asking for red-carpet treatment, but men should be treated with dignity and respect, just like any other patient,” he said.
The City of Cape Town, through these initiatives, hopes to increase awareness about the importance of regular health checks and improve healthcare access for men, ensuring they are more proactive about their health and well-being.
