Page 8 - Bophelo - Edition Two | March 2025

The conversation about men’s health in South Africa
6 6 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCILTHE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
to managing chronic illnesses can lead to a decline in
is overdue. Despite advances in medicine and public mental health. Addressing these systemic barriers requires
health, a significant number of men still suffer in silence, a collective effort from policymakers, healthcare providers,
their well-being compromised by the weight of societal and society at large.
expectations, economic burdens, and a lack of access One of the most significant obstacles to improving
to appropriate care. This edition of Bophelo magazine men’s health is stigma. In South African culture, men
is an opportunity to confront those challenges, address are often expected to be strong and self-reliant. For
the stigma surrounding men’s health, and advocate for a example, admitting to a chronic illness such as diabetes or
future where wellness is a priority, not an afterthought.
hypertension is perceived by some as a sign of weakness.
One of the most pressing health challenges for South This stigma delays health seeking, diagnosis, and
African men today is the growing prevalence of treatment, and isolates those in need of support.
noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). These chronic Health complications, such as physical limitations or
conditions including hypertension, cardiovascular conditions like erectile dysfunction associated with NCDs,
diseases, diabetes, mental illness, cancer, and respiratory are particularly difficult for men to discuss, compounding
conditions are not just medical issues. They are complex feelings of shame and helplessness. This cycle of isolation
problems deeply linked with social dynamics, mental can lead to depression, further impacting both mental and
health, and economic stability.
physical health.
For South African men, the stakes are particularly high. Many We must challenge these cultural norms of masculinity and
men are primary breadwinners, heads of families, and pillars redefine what it means to be strong. True strength lies in
of their communities. When their health falters, the ripple taking control of one’s health, seeking help when needed,
effects extend far beyond the individual, impacting families and prioritising wellbeing. This cultural shift is essential to
and society at large. The burden of NCDs is therefore not improving health outcomes for men and fostering a more
just personal, but profoundly social and economic.
supportive environment.
South Africa is witnessing an alarming rise in NCDs, It is needless to state that education is the most powerful
with these diseases now accounting for a significant tool in the fight against NCDs and that is what we are
portion of mortality and morbidity. For men, the reality trying to do with this edition of Bophelo. We want to
is stark: socioeconomic pressures, cultural expectations, raise awareness about men’s health and to emphasise
and lifestyle factors converge, making them especially the importance of regular check-ups, healthy eating, and
vulnerable.
physical activity. On top of that, workplaces, community
NCDs often develop silently, with symptoms often absent centres, and digital platforms should offer valuable
until complications arise. This late detection can lead to spaces to disseminate information and encourage open
severe health consequences, including heart attacks, strokes, conversations about health.
kidney failure, and other life-altering conditions. Beyond Support networks and peer groups can also play a vital
the physical toll, the psychological burden of managing role. When men see others taking proactive steps toward
chronic conditions is immense, affecting self-esteem, social wellness, it normalises the behaviour and creates a
relationships, and the ability to fulfill societal roles.
ripple effect. This collective approach can break down
In a country where healthcare access is deeply inequitable, stereotypes, reduce stigma, and inspire change.
men from under-resourced communities face significant The SAMRC remains committed to advancing research,
and disproportionate hurdles in managing NCDs. Limited fostering innovation, and advocating for equitable
access to diagnostic tools, medications, and regular healthcare. Together, we can empower and support men
medical care exacerbates the impact of these diseases. The to take charge of their health and build a healthier, more
financial implications are equally daunting, with the cost of resilient society.
managing chronic conditions often becoming unsustainable
for individuals and families.
Stress, both a contributor to and a consequence of NCDs, Professor Ntobeko Ntusi
further complicates the picture. Economic pressures tied President and CEO of the SAMRC
THE COMMUNITY ISSUE 7