CARPHA and OECS launch initiative to address men’s health challenges in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), in partnership with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, is focused on raising awareness and motivating men to prioritize their health and well-being, aiming for a healthier OECS community. This is designed to coincide with Men’s Health Month this June.

An OEC press release announced that both organizations are actively dedicated to confronting the significant health issues confronting men across the OECS and the wider Caribbean region.

According to this press release, the alarming statistics related to men’s health behaviors in the region emphasize the urgency of the issue. It states that Afro-Caribbean men are particularly vulnerable to developing more aggressive forms of illnesses, highlighting the critical need for earlier detection and regular screening.

This situation underscores the importance of addressing health disparities to ensure men receive the necessary medical services and preventative care. These findings carry serious implications for healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities, as they work to improve health equity and expand access to care, said the press release.  It further asserted that addressing these challenges through targeted strategies is essential to enhance overall health outcomes for men, whose health status often remains inadequately understood.

Data from the 2022 Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) STEPS survey reveal that only 32% of men aged 25-64 have undergone preventive check-ups, compared to 58% of women. The survey also identified notable disparities in health outcomes related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across OECS member states. For example, in Saint Lucia, men are 40% more likely to die from CVD than women. Likewise, in St. Kitts and Nevis, NCDs are responsible for a staggering 83% of all deaths, with men experiencing a 30% higher rate of premature mortality than women.

Illustrating these trends even more, the PAHO’s 2020 NCDs profile for the Eastern Caribbean reports that stroke mortality rates among men in Antigua and Barbuda are 50% higher than in women. The Saint Lucia Ministry of Health’s 2021 Annual Health Statistics Report also highlights concerning healthcare-seeking behavior: 45% of men only seek medical attention when symptoms become severe, compared to just 28% of women who delay treatment until symptoms are advanced.

Research conducted by the CARICOM Secretariat in 2021, titled “Mental Health in the Caribbean: A Gender Analysis,” pointed out that in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, men are 3.2 times less likely than women to access psychotherapy services. This reportedly aligns with the 2022 PAHO Health and Masculinity study, which found that 70% of men surveyed across six OECS countries associate seeking mental health support with a perceived failure to fulfill masculine roles.

These statistics highlight the urgent need for targeted public health campaigns focused on reducing disparities and encouraging men to seek healthcare proactively, stated the press release. The theme for Men’s Health Month, “Closing the Empathy Gap,” advocates for a cultural shift through increased awareness, advocacy, and concrete action.

Supporting this initiative, the OECS Commission’s Director General emphasized the importance of timely health intervention, stating, “Too often, our Caribbean men delay seeking care until it is too late. Men’s Health Month is a critical reminder that prevention saves lives, so note to self: regular check-ups, healthy habits, and early screenings are not just acts of self-care; they are acts of strength. Let’s break the silence, prioritise our health, and lead by example for the next generation.”

In alignment with these messages, Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA, underscored the need for a supportive environment to promote men’s health. She said, “It is imperative to cultivate an enabling environment that is both safe and supportive. We need to collectively advocate for increased efforts towards preventive care and early intervention strategies, which are essential in countering the tendency of men to postpone seeking help. This delay often worsens health issues, as men tend to wait until symptoms become acute before seeking medical attention. By fostering a culture of support and understanding, we can significantly improve health outcomes for men and ensure their healthcare needs are met promptly and effectively.”

Both CARPHA and OECS are calling on families, communities, and healthcare providers to create empathetic environments that encourage men to prioritize their health. They also aim to challenge harmful socio-cultural norms that may discourage men from seeking care. The two organizations stated jointly that they remain committed to working together to raise awareness, improve health outcomes, and foster a supportive atmosphere for all individuals.