The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Programme Coordinator for the Central Tongu District Health Directorate, Diana Sena Awutey, has called for greater attention to men’s health, particularly in the areas of prostate cancer, hypertension and diabetes. According to her, a review of routine health data generated and entered into the District Health Information Management System (DHIMS 2) has revealed a significant gap in men’s health-seeking behaviour compared with women. She explained that women have regular points of contact with the health system through services such as antenatal care (ANC), child welfare clinics, breast cancer and cervical cancer programmes, while fewer interventions are specifically designed to bring men into the healthcare system for routine education and screening. «“For our men, we realise that there is no intervention specifically targeting them to enter into the health system where we can have the opportunity to educate them and screen them,” she said.» Men Often Delay Seeking Healthcare Diana Sena Awutey noted that many men tend to wait until their health conditions become serious before seeking medical attention. By the time some eventually report to health facilities, she said, their conditions may have already progressed significantly. She cautioned that available health data on men should not necessarily be interpreted as evidence that NCDs are less prevalent among them. Rather, the figures could reflect under-detection, as some men may be living with illnesses without seeking medical care, while others may die without ever being captured by the healthcare system. She therefore urged men to take their health seriously and make routine screening a priority. Central Tongu Intensifies Prostate Cancer Awareness As part of efforts to address the gap, the Central Tongu District Health Directorate’s NCD Programme is using September’s prostate cancer awareness activities to bring more men into the healthcare system. The campaign is encouraging men to check their health status, participate in screening activities and seek professional medical advice early. The district’s message is: “A Healthy Man is a Healthy Family — Check Your Prostate to Protect Your Life.” Diana explained that the campaign will not focus exclusively on prostate cancer. Men who participate will also have the opportunity to undergo screening for other major NCDs, including hypertension and diabetes. NCD Market Day to Promote Home Health Monitoring One of the planned activities is an NCD Market Day at the Adidome Market, which will educate members of the public on NCD prevention, early detection and simple tools that can be used to monitor aspects of their health at home. The public will be introduced to devices such as: - Glucometers for blood sugar monitoring - Blood pressure monitoring devices - Thermometers - Cholesterol testing equipment The programme will also demonstrate how these tools can support early detection and encourage people to seek medical care promptly when abnormalities are identified. Outreach to Hard-to-Reach Communities The NCD Programme also plans to conduct outreach screening exercises in hard-to-reach communities across the district. The initial target is to screen at least 100 people, particularly men, with the possibility of reaching more people if additional resources become available. Diana said it would be unfair to concentrate screening services only in Adidome township when residents in remote communities may face greater barriers to accessing healthcare. «“It will not be good and it is unequal for us to centre our screening services only at Adidome town, leaving the hard-to-reach communities who even find it difficult to access healthcare in the district,” she stated.» Men’s Desk Being Established As part of efforts to create a more supportive healthcare environment for men, the district is also establishing a Men’s Desk at the hospital. The desk will provide an avenue for men to seek counselling, discuss health concerns and receive guidance before being directed to appropriate screening and treatment services. According to Diana, the initiative is intended to create an environment where men can feel comfortable discussing health challenges they may otherwise keep to themselves. Rotary Club and International Needs Support Campaign The campaign is being supported by the Rotary Club of Accra Airport East and International Needs. Diana disclosed that the two organisations have so far supported the initiative with GH¢6,000, which is being used to procure screening items. She expressed appreciation for the support but noted that additional resources are needed to extend the campaign to more communities. She also acknowledged support from the Muslim community, which has pledged GH¢300 towards the initiative. Appeal for Additional Support Diana Sena Awutey appealed to individuals, organisations and other stakeholders to support the campaign financially and logistically. She explained that even small contributions could help the team reach more communities, conduct advocacy and communication activities, and provide screening services to more people. She emphasised that the ultimate goal is not to make the September campaign a one-off activity but to establish stronger and more consistent men’s health interventions across the district. «“If it is GH¢100, GH¢50, it all together makes a way that we can reach out to communities,” she said.» She called on men across Central Tongu to take advantage of available health services and prioritise early screening and treatment. The NCD Programme Coordinator further encouraged the public to follow the district’s activities throughout the month as the health team takes its men’s health message to communities across Central Tongu. The message is clear: a healthy man contributes to a healthy family, and early screening can save lives.