By Pitso Moloi
Free State Health MEC Mathabo Leeto has called on men to talk openly about their well-being and health issues that affect them. She said this during a recent men’s health dialogue held at Show Tell church in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa in Maluti-a-Phofung.
The dialogue was aimed at sparking men-to-men conversations that will put men at ease when talking about difficult issues and those matters that they not comfortable to touch. It was also for their own empowered.
It comes after a realisation by many sectors of the society and government itself that while in recent years, discussions surrounding health have gained traction, issues of men’s health often remains overlooked.
Health experts agree that while strides have been made in advancing healthcare awareness and accessibility, the discourse around men’s health continues to lag behind. It was thus time to break the silence and prioritize the well-being of men in Qwaqwa, hence this visit by Health MEC.
In addition to various topics discussed during the day’s programme, there were mobile clinics opened for screening and testing various types of sicknesses.
According to the Health Department a tendency among men is that they do not usually go to clinics until they are critically ill. They were thus advised to visit local clinics regularly.
One of the speakers, a Mr Modipane said: “Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physic al activity contribute significantly to these disparities. Encouraging preventive measures, promoting healthy habits, and fostering regular health screenings are imperative steps in mitigating these risks and improving outcomes for men.”
Another topic that was given more attention was that of Gender Based Violence (GBV), which has caused an outcry in the society.
Free State Childline representative Mr Thapelo said the incidences of fathers raping their own daughters are on the increase.
He said Childline has introduced a new programme called SASA to help fathers protect the community and reduce the rate of rape.
He further stated that not only women experience GBV but also men do, therefore the SASA programme is going to help those men to be protected and they must also go open up the cases because they have been abused.
The MEC also encouraged Men to speak up their problems and not bottle them up.
“When men speak up, it will reduce violence and psychological problems. That thing of men do not cry has to come to an end because now that creates anger within them and they end up doing GBV without noticing and also become ill,” said Leeto.
