Ryan Wild
In a significant move to tackle the persistent health disparities between men and women, the UK government has initiated its first-ever men’s health strategy. Announced on 24 April 2025, this comprehensive plan aims to address the nearly four-year life expectancy gap between men and women in England, focusing on prevention, early diagnosis, and improved access to healthcare services.
A Call for Evidence
The Department of Health and Social Care has opened a 12-week call for evidence, inviting input from the public, healthcare professionals, academics, and employers. This initiative seeks to gather insights on the most pressing health issues in life affecting men and to identify effective strategies to encourage healthier lifestyles and better engagement with healthcare services.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting emphasized the urgency of the initiative, stating:
“Every day, men across England are dying early from preventable causes. Men are hit harder by a range of conditions, while tragically suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50.”
The strategy is part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which aims to rebuild the health service and deliver better quality of life for everyone.
Key Focus Areas
The men’s health strategy will concentrate on several critical areas:
- Prevention: Promoting healthier behaviours and lifestyles to prevent the onset of chronic diseases.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Improving outcomes for health conditions that disproportionately affect men, such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.
- Encouraging Engagement: Enhancing men’s access to, engagement with, and experience of the health service to ensure timely and effective care.
The strategy also acknowledges the significant impact of mental health issues on men, with suicide being the leading cause of death among men under 50. Addressing mental health stigma and providing targeted support will be integral components of the plan.
Collaborative Efforts
The government’s initiative follows the first-ever Men’s Health Summit held in partnership with Movember and co-hosted by Arsenal and the Premier League in November 2024. The summit highlighted the need for a dedicated approach to men’s health and laid the groundwork for the current strategy.
Amy O’Connor, Global Lead for Policy and Advocacy at Movember, expressed support for the government’s efforts:
“Too many men are dying too young. The men’s health strategy is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to invest in positive change for men and their loved ones and life overall.”
Julie Bentley, CEO of Samaritans, also emphasized the importance of suicide prevention within the strategy:
“Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 50, so it’s critical that suicide prevention is front and centre of this strategy.”
Addressing Health Inequalities
The strategy aims to tackle the stark health inequalities that exist across the country. Men in the most deprived areas of England are expected to live almost 10 years less than those in the least deprived areas. By focusing on tailored approaches that consider the unique needs of different communities, the government hopes to close this gap and ensure that all men have the opportunity to live healthier, longer lives.
Councillor David Fothergill, Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Community Wellbeing Board, welcomed the initiative:
“We are pleased that the government has announced plans to launch the first-ever men’s health strategy with a call for evidence. It’s a significant step towards improving men’s health, life outcomes and ensuring that men can live healthier, longer, happier live
Next Steps
The call for evidence will remain open until 17 July 2025. The government encourages all stakeholders to contribute their perspectives to shape a strategy that effectively addresses the health challenges faced by men in England. The final strategy is expected to be launched later this year, marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s approach to men’s health and wellbeing.
For more information and to participate in the call for evidence, visit the Department of Health and Social Care’s website.
https://www.miragenews.com/uk-gov-seeks-evidence-in-mens-health-inquiry-1449043
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-call-for-evidence-on-mens-health
Isma May
