City deepens its commitment to men's health and well-being
21 November 2025
November marks the commemoration of International Men’s Day and Movember, which casts a spotlight on issues affecting men, including health-related matters. The City of Cape Town is strengthening its commitment to men’s health through a compassionate and comprehensive approach that encourages them to prioritise their physical and emotional well-being.
Recent data from City Health shows that while overall access to healthcare services by men has remained stable over the past two years, with only a 1,5% decline in attendance, men continue to face unique barriers to seeking care.
Male-focused clinics present a mixed picture, with Kuyasa Male Clinic showing a 27,2% increase in attendance, while Site B Male Clinic experienced a 4,8% decline.
These findings underscore the ongoing challenge: men still access health services far less frequently than women, often waiting until health issues become severe before seeking help.
Late diagnoses of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), HIV, tuberculosis, and mental health conditions remain major concerns.
In response, the City has expanded its men’s health initiatives to include mental health screenings as part of its comprehensive package of care.
This approach integrates physical, psychological, and social well-being, recognising that men’s health cannot be separated from their emotional and mental resilience.
‘Men are the backbone of our families and communities, yet too often they carry their struggles in silence. Through our men’s health programme, we are not only offering clinical care, but we are also offering compassion. We are saying to our fathers, brothers, and sons: it’s okay to ask for help. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
The City’s efforts go beyond the clinic walls.
Outreach campaigns, workplace wellness sessions, and community events are being used to challenge stigma, promote early screening, and create safe spaces for men to speak openly about their health.
The success seen at Kuyasa Male Clinic demonstrates the power of targeted, stigma-free, and caring health interventions designed with men in mind.
‘Every man deserves to live a healthy, purposeful life. By thinking differently about how we deliver healthcare, we are building a City that values every person, where caring for men’s health means caring for the health of our entire community,’ added Councillor Higham.
As part of Movember, the City of Cape Town encourages all men to take the first step towards better health, by booking a check-up, talking to a healthcare provider, or simply starting a conversation about how they feel.
For more information on men’s wellness services, mental health screenings, or upcoming outreach events, visit your nearest City Health clinic or follow the City’s official communication channels.
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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
