Statements by Political Leaders on Men’s Health
Congressman Rich McCormick
United States / Georgia
“Men’s health is a critical issue that we must address head-on. As a physician and a Marine veteran, I understand the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Through the Men’s Health Caucus, we will work tirelessly to raise awareness, promote preventive care, and support legislation that improves the lives of men, boys, and their families across our nation."
... source ...
Senator Raphael Warnock
United States / Georgia
“Georgia’s maternal mortality rate is a crisis that we must address with every tool at our disposal. That includes redoubling our efforts to uplift the role of fathers in keeping their family healthy during pregnancy and early childhood. Now is the time to spread awareness about the critical role of fathers in improving maternal health outcomes and creating thriving families and communities.”
... source ...
Congressman Ted Lieu
United States / California
“The disparities in men’s health—whether in life expectancy, disease detection, or mental health—are stark and demand serious attention. I am pleased to join colleagues on both sides of the aisle in promoting greater awareness, encouraging preventative care, and supporting initiatives that empower men to prioritize their health. Men’s health is not just a men’s issue—it’s a family issue, a workforce issue, and a national priority. Together, we can help ensure more men live longer, healthier lives.”
... source ...
Governor Gavin Newson
United States / California
“Men account for nearly 80 percent of all suicides, and young men are three times more likely to die by suicide than young women; WHEREAS my Administration is in the midst of implementing several initiatives that are directly responsive to addressing the negative outcomes for men and boys.”
... source ...
President Donald Trump
United States
“For far too long, the health, happiness, and well-being of our Nation’s men have been neglected…This neglect has been compounded by a vicious campaign against masculinity…This war on manhood has left many American men in a state of loneliness, confusion, and emptiness.”
... source ...
Kenton Boston, President & CEO
Canadian Mens's Health Foundation, Canada
“Men’s mental health is declining at an alarming rate, and too many, especially younger men, are facing these struggles on their own.”
... source ...
Secretary of State for Health Javier Padilla Bernáldez
Spanish Ministry of Health, Spain
“Men live less, die by suicide more, and consume more drugs. It’s not genetics but masculinity pushing risk-taking and avoiding help.”
... source ...
Member of Parliament Matt Doocey
Minister for Mental Health and Associate Minister of Health, New Zealand
"Men’s Health Week is a good and timely reminder that no one should ever feel ashamed or afraid to reach out for support with their mental health challenges in their time of need. We know men are less likely to reach out for help and are overrepresented in New Zealand’s suicide statistics. This Government is working at pace to increase access to support so we can ensure when people are reaching out for support, they receive it when and where they need it."
... source ...
Mary Butler T.D.
Minister for Mental Health, Ireland
"It is well-documented that women are more likely to seek access to counselling services than men, with women making up two thirds of all clients availing of our national counselling service. However, around 80% of all people who die by suicide are men. We need to make it easier for men to access help when they need it, and this initiative aims to do just that."
... source ...
The Right Honorable Wes Streeting,
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, United Kingdom
"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."
... source ...
The Honorable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, Canada
Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health, Canada
“Suicide rates among men and boys are especially concerning. Men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women.”
... source ...
The Right Honorable Wes Streeting,
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, United Kingdom
"It can be hard to be a young man in today’s society, particularly for boys from backgrounds like mine. We’re seeing mental ill health on the rise, and the shocking fact that suicide is the biggest killer for men under the age of 50. Preventable killers like heart disease and prostate cancer are being caught far too late. Just as we are determined to end the injustices women face in healthcare, we won’t shy away from the need to focus on men’s health too. This government will publish a men’s health strategy to tackle these problems head on."
... source ...
The Honorable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health, Canada
“Unfortunately, many Canadian men are not achieving their optimal health. In fact, they live an average of four years less than Canadian women, and are more likely to be overweight or obese.”
... source ...
The Honorable Greg Hunt
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Australia
"During 2018 Men’s Health Week it is important to remember that in Australia, like most countries, males have poorer health outcomes on average than females. More males die at every stage of life. Males have more accidents, are more likely to take their own lives and are more prone to lifestyle‑related chronic health conditions than women and girls at the same age."
... source ...