Online Reporter
Dr Tendai Zuze
Health Matters
IN many parts of Zimbabwe, when you walk into a clinic, you will often find the benches filled with women and children, while men are noticeably absent.
Most men tend to seek medical care only when their condition has become serious, and sometimes by then it is too late.
This reluctance to seek help early has become a serious health problem, affecting, not only the men themselves, but also their families and the country at large.
There are many reasons why men keep away from health facilities.
From a young age, boys are taught to be tough and not to show weakness. Illness is often seen as a sign of vulnerability, so going to the clinic can feel like admitting defeat.
Many men also struggle with the demands of work. Whether in formal employment or informal hustles, taking time off to queue at a clinic can mean lost income.
Others see clinics as spaces designed mainly for women, since most services are focused on maternity, child health, and family planning. This can make men feel out of place and unwelcome.
Another big reason is fear.
For some, the thought of being told they have a chronic illness such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or HIV is unbearable.
Rather than face the truth, they prefer to avoid check-ups altogether.
Financial challenges also play a role. With rising costs of consultations, tests, and medicines, many men choose to prioritise family needs over their own health, postponing treatment until the situation becomes desperate.
The result of all this is that many men present very late when diseases are already advanced.
Conditions like cancer, HIV, and hypertension are far more difficult and expensive to treat when detected at a late stage.
This, not only increases the risk of death, but also places a heavy burden on families who lose breadwinners and caregivers, leaving wives and children in financial and emotional distress.
The health system also suffers because treating advanced illness consumes far more resources than preventing or managing disease early.
Yet this situation can be changed. Men need to understand that seeking health care is not a weakness but a sign of strength and responsibility. Public education campaigns can help break the stigma and normalise regular check-ups for men. Health facilities can also do their part by creating services that are friendlier to men, such as dedicated times for male health checks, prostate screening, or blood pressure monitoring. Since many men spend most of their time at work, bringing health services into workplaces can also make a big difference. Companies and industries that invest in workplace screening programmes can help catch illnesses early while keeping their workforce healthy.
Positive role models are also important. When respected sports figures, musicians, and community leaders speak openly about going for check-ups, it sends a powerful message to ordinary men that health matters. Families, too, have a role to play. Wives, sisters, and children can gently encourage the men in their lives to seek help early and accompany them when necessary.
The truth is that the cost of neglecting men’s health is very high. Too many lives are being lost unnecessarily, and too many families are left struggling because men delay seeking treatment. It is time to change the culture and redefine strength.
Real strength lies in protecting one’s health, seeking care when it is needed, and being present for the family in the long run. When men begin to see health as a priority rather than an afterthought, Zimbabwe will have stronger families, healthier communities, and a brighter future.
For more on men’s health, contact [email protected]
