International Men’s Day: Celebrating men and boys

As the world marks International Men’s Day 2025, themed “Celebrating Men and Boys”, renewed attention has been drawn to the well-being of men and boys across all ages.

While the theme highlights the positive roles men and boys play in families and communities, health experts say it also highlights a longstanding global problem as men’s health remains significantly underserved.

International health trends consistently show that men die younger than women and are more likely to suffer from preventable diseases. Despite this, men generally have lower rates of health-seeking behaviour, with many avoiding routine checkups and delaying care until symptoms worsen.

This year’s theme is prompting advocacy groups, medical professionals, and policymakers to revisit the gaps in men’s health services globally.

This explainer aims to illuminate some core themes that help address the issues affecting men and boys. 

Chronic diseases and late diagnosis

Men face several primary chronic health conditions as they age. Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, heart disease, and stroke, remain the leading cause of death. Cancers such as prostate, lung, and colorectal cancer are also significant threats. 

Type 2 diabetes is widespread, with a large share of cases going undiagnosed. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), often tied to smoking, poses another significant risk. Osteoporosis affects men more than commonly recognised and is frequently detected only after fractures occur. 

Mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder are also underdiagnosed. These conditions are made worse by many men’s reluctance to seek medical care. This diagnostic delay is influenced by lifestyle factors, reluctance to seek medical care, and a lack of awareness of symptoms.

Concerns around mental health

Rising concerns about men’s mental health are driven by societal pressures that discourage emotional vulnerability, leading to a reluctance to seek help, higher rates of suicide, and increased substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Issues like financial stress, workplace pressures, and traditional gender roles that expect men to be strong and always ready to contribute to the problem.

Some key factors contributing to these issues are societal expectations of men. Traditional masculine norms equate vulnerability with weakness and thereby encourage men to conceal their feelings. This fosters a culture of silence, whereby men are expected to be strong and stoic, and prevents them from seeking help.

Workplace risks

Statistics consistently show that men face higher rates of workplace injuries and fatalities than women, a disparity attributed mainly to the types of high-risk, male-dominated occupations they are more likely to hold, as well as societal and cultural factors.

Men are concentrated in industries with inherently high physical risks, such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and fishing. These jobs often involve manual handling, operating heavy machinery, and working at heights, leading to higher rates of injuries and deaths.

Risks and injuries are sometimes viewed as an expected part of the job, and enduring pain without complaint can be seen as a sign of toughness. Men may also be less likely to report injuries or mental health struggles due to a fear of appearing weak or incompetent, which can delay treatment and worsen outcomes.

Sexual and reproductive health 

Sexual and reproductive health in men involves a wide range of issues, including fertility, contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual dysfunction.

Men can protect their reproductive health by adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes not smoking, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, as well as practising safe sex and seeking regular medical care.

Some key aspects of male sexual and reproductive health include sperm count, libido, and the ability to have a satisfying sex life (erectile dysfunction), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and male cancers. 

To protect their sexual and reproductive health, men are encouraged to avoid smoking, limit their alcohol intake, and adopt a healthy diet. 

Celebrating men and boys in 2025 is not only about acknowledging their contributions to families and communities; it is also a call to action for their health and well-being. 

 By raising awareness of chronic diseases, mental health, workplace safety, and sexual and reproductive health, society can help men lead longer, healthier lives. 

Conclusion 

Encouraging men to seek care, adopt healthier lifestyles, and challenge harmful stereotypes about masculinity will ensure that the positive roles they play are sustained, benefiting not only themselves but also the wider community.