How the Men’s Hour Initiative in Ladysmith is Encouraging Men to Take Control of Their Health
In Ladysmith, South Africa, at the Ekuveni Clinic, a group of men is taking the lead in changing the narrative around men’s health-seeking behaviour.
The air is warm, and the clinic is bustling with people-men of all ages waiting for their turn in a space that’s been set aside just for them.
Amid the steady hum of conversation and the shuffle of feet, Nurse Shezi moves confidently through the crowd. With his warm smile and calm demeanour, he effortlessly puts each man at ease, offering reassurance and care.
His presence is a steadying force in the clinic, where many have waited too long to take charge of their health. Men's Hour has become a space where conversations are honest, care is accessible, and health is prioritised.
The Men’s Hour initiative, part of the Accelerate TB Elimination and Program Resilience Activity (ACCELERATE), funded by USAID and led by The Aurum Institute, aims to tackle this head-on. It’s an opportunity to break the cycle and prioritise men’s health in areas like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, where it’s needed most.
The concept behind Men’s Hour is simple yet powerful
To create a dedicated time and space where men can access care-free from the social and cultural pressures that often discourage them from seeking help.
Targeting vulnerable populations, including those affected by drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB), drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), and TB/HIV co-infection—issues that disproportionately impact men— the initiative is making a tangible difference. Led by three male nurses—Nhlanhla Buthelezi, Sisanda Shezi, and Nduduzo Mngoma in Ladysmith—Men’s Hour aims to normalise health-seeking behaviour and address the specific needs and challenges men face when it comes to healthcare.
Understanding the Problem
Historically, men have been less likely to seek primary healthcare compared to women, despite being more vulnerable to certain health conditions. Studies show that men often delay seeking medical help due to various factors, including a sense of invulnerability, fear of vulnerability, and social norms that discourage them from addressing their health issues. This has led to a stark contrast in health outcomes, with men facing higher mortality rates than women in many conditions, including TB, due to delayed diagnoses and treatment.
In South Africa, this trend is particularly evident, where women use primary healthcare services more frequently than men. Yet, while women may seek help more often, the reasons behind this-whether it is a lower threshold for seeking help or a reflection of women’s health disadvantages-are still debated.
Primary healthcare is crucial for early detection and effective treatment, yet men’s underutilisation of these services remains a significant barrier to better health outcomes. Nhlanhla, explains, "The need for a space where men can openly discuss their health is long overdue. We see firsthand the reluctance men have toward healthcare, and Men’s Hour helps break down those barriers." Nduduzo adds, "For many men, health takes a backseat. They're focused on providing for their families, neglecting their own wellbeing. This initiative gives them a chance to prioritise themselves, without feeling judged."
The Impact of Men’s Hour
Sisanda shares, "There’s a real cultural shift happening here. Men are beginning to understand that their health is just as important as anyone else’s. It’s not about weakness, but about taking responsibility for their future." Although the initiative is still in its early stages, it has already made a significant impact. Not only is it providing men with essential medical care, but it’s also helping to change attitudes toward health. Men are starting to realise that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a crucial step in maintaining their overall wellbeing.
The success of Men’s Hour has the potential to address the larger issue of men’s underutilisation of primary healthcare services. According to Nduduzo, "We’ve had men come to the clinic who have been avoiding healthcare for years. When they come in for the first time, they’re often surprised at how easy and non-judgmental the experience is."
The initiative also highlights the importance of tailored healthcare interventions. Men are not a homogenous group, and understanding the unique cultural, social, and behavioural factors that influence their health-seeking behaviours is essential for improving healthcare outcomes. The Men’s Hour initiative is a step in the right direction, offering a model that could be replicated in other regions to reduce the gender disparities in healthcare use.
In South Africa, this trend is particularly evident, where women use primary healthcare services more frequently than men. Yet, while women may seek help more often, the reasons behind this-whether it is a lower threshold for seeking help or a reflection of women’s health disadvantages-are still debated.
Primary healthcare is crucial for early detection and effective treatment, yet men’s underutilisation of these services remains a significant barrier to better health outcomes. Nhlanhla, explains, "The need for a space where men can openly discuss their health is long overdue. We see firsthand the reluctance men have toward healthcare, and Men’s Hour helps break down those barriers." Nduduzo adds, "For many men, health takes a backseat. They're focused on providing for their families, neglecting their own wellbeing. This initiative gives them a chance to prioritise themselves, without feeling judged."
Moving Forward
The Men’s Hour initiative is more than just a weekly event-it’s a movement toward reshaping how men approach their health. As Nduduzo states, "Men are the backbone of families and communities. It’s time for us to realise that our health is just as important as everyone else’s. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t take care of those who rely on us." Initiatives like Men’s Hour highlight the need to prioritise health for all populations, particularly those most at risk, and provide a meaningful step toward bridging the gender gap in healthcare access.
