More Men Are Dying From The “Men will be Men” Syndrome Than Any Other Disease.
Men are treated as heroes for taking risks and making sure to get things done no matter what. In Malawi, real men are the ones that do not portray weakness to others, even their families..
Men are often seen to be innately strong and talented, but this is not the case when it comes to their health. According to research done by World Health Organization (WHO), many people opt to put off obtaining help for their health problems. Men, on average, die younger, become ill at a younger age, and have more chronic illnesses than women. Despite these health problems, males around the world seek medical assistance at a lower rate than women.
According to the Ministry of Health, men were the most affected gender during the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for 56.5% of all cases as per the 1 January 2023 weekly report. This is similar to
the cholera outbreak that has impacted nearly the whole country. The majority of those affected by the pandemic live in the suburbs and in rural areas. The first incidence was recorded in Machinga district in March 2022.
An inadequate level of health literacy among men exacerbates the repercussions of these traditional gender norms. Men have regularly been proven to have inferior knowledge of disease warning signs, symptoms, and the significance of early medical care than women.
It is particularly distressing because the breadwinner gender is the most afflicted and puts off seeking medical assistance. In Malawi, men are the most active in ensuring that their families’ basic requirements are met. Some believe that providing for their families’ food, shelter, and other basic human requirements keeps them focused on their jobs rather than their health. This occurs because people believe that there illness will improve in time.
However, men disregard their health for a variety of reasons, including denial, mistrust, and a fear of being viewed as weak. This is most likely the result of biological and psychological influences, as well as societal beliefs. There appears to be no education awareness that has ever shattered men’s egos.
It’s high time that men realized that seeking medical help does not symbolize that they are weak; it’s a sign of showing care for their wellbeing. When they die, the same people for whom they worked hard for are left to enjoy the results of their labor.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health must enhance health literacy among men. Increased education about the importance of health and awareness of common disease symptoms will help men obtain healthcare more quickly. The world recognizes Men’s Health Week from June 13 to June 19. The yearly event aims to raise awareness of avoidable health problems that disproportionately impact males and to urge them to face their difficulties. Such days must be used as one method of combating pandemic diseases.
