ILOILO City — Alarmed by the growing tendency of men to delay medical consultations until illnesses turn severe, the Department of Health (DOH) recently launched a region-wide men’s health campaign, warning that late detection is fuelling higher risks of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and mental health crises among males in Western Visayas.
Health officials said men remain disproportionately affected by non-communicable diseases and mental health concerns, not because of lack of services, but due to persistent stigma, neglect of preventive care, and cultural notions that discourage men from seeking help early.
“Men’s health, just like women’s health, is a public health priority that must be addressed with urgency and compassion. Fathers, brothers, sons, and life partners need to break the silence on health issues and take full advantage of available health services in our region,” said Dr. Annabelle Yumang, DOH Region 6 director.
The campaign highlights key areas where men face the highest health risks, including non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes; cancers like prostate and testicular cancer; mental health issues such as depression, substance abuse, and suicide; and reproductive health concerns tied to family planning and sexually transmitted infections.
To counter these risks, DOH-6 is intensifying preventive and outreach services across Western Visayas, stressing that health-seeking behavior should be seen as strength, not weakness.
The agency also underscored that improving men’s health has direct ripple effects on families and communities./PN
