Men’s National Health Policy launch
The announcement of the first National Men’s Health Policy on 7 May marked a dramatic shift in focus for healthcare.
“Up until now, Australian governments from both sides have been reluctant to tackle the unique challenges facing men through a national and comprehensive men’s health policy,” says Professor Macdonald, foundation chair in Primary Health Care in the University of Western Sydney (UWS) School of Biomedical and Health Sciences and director of the UWS Men’s Health Information & Resource Centre (MHIRC).
Professor Macdonald says previous approaches to caring for men’s health and well-being have not been as effective as those targeting women.
“Australian males currently have a lower life expectancy and die at much faster rates from disease – particularly cancer, heart disease and respiratory illnesses – compared to females,” he says.
“The new National Men’s Health Policy reflects a more rational and compassionate view of men’s health needs which acknowledges it is not effective to attribute all male health problems simply to ‘men behaving badly’ or males ‘ignoring’ medical advice.
“Hopefully, the new policy also signals the beginning of a wider, cultural, shift away from blaming blokes for suffering poor health,” he says.
As one of the Federal Government Ambassadors for men’s health, Professor Macdonald also travelled through the community listening to men and identifying their health needs – information which helped formulate the new policy.
Professor Macdonald says the new policy’s promise of access to male-friendly health services and comprehensive research into men’s health problems will provide both immediate and long-term gains for all Australians.
“Improved health for men requires not just better targeted medical services for chronic illness but also recognition of the role of social factors in determining health outcomes.
“The policy promises support for a longitudinal study of men’s health which also includes key social factors such as education, income, unemployment and work-life balance.”
The UWS Men’s Health Information and Resource Centre designs, develops and supports research and projects which contribute to the enhancement of the health and well-being of men and boys across every aspect of their lives from personal to family, work and the community.
