The government is calling for new insight to contribute to England’s first ever men’s health strategy.
This 12-week call for evidence aims to gather vital insights from the public, health and social care professionals, academics, and employers to address the biggest health issues facing men from all backgrounds.
The initiative seeks to understand what is working and what more needs to be done to close the life expectancy gap between men and women, as men in England die nearly four years earlier on average. The call for evidence will focus on how the government’s Plan for Change can improve men’s health and wellbeing through:
- Prevention: Identifying effective ways to promote healthier behaviours.
- Diagnosis and Treatment: Enhancing outcomes for health conditions that disproportionately affect men.
- Encouragement to Come Forward: Improving men’s access to, engagement with, and experience of the health service.
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, commented:
“Every day, men across England are dying early from preventable causes. Men are hit harder by a range of conditions, while tragically suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50.
“Our Plan for Change means we will tackle these issues head on through a men’s health strategy, and today’s call for evidence is the crucial next step in understanding what works, what doesn’t, and how we can design services men will actually use. I urge people to come forward to share their views.”
The government is committed to addressing health inequalities through the Plan for Change, which aims to rebuild the NHS and deliver better care for everyone. This strategy will ensure that the distinct health needs of both men and women are met more effectively.
In parallel, the government is taking tangible actions to improve women’s health, such as tackling gynaecology waiting lists, investing in AI breast cancer screening trials, and addressing violence against women and girls.
The call for evidence is open for views on the Department of Health and Social Care website until 17 July, with the men’s health strategy set to launch later this year.
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