KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has urged men to overcome their fear of visiting healthcare facilities, warning that delaying medical attention can lead to preventable illnesses, late diagnoses and premature deaths.
Simelane was speaking during the Isibhedlela Kubantu flagship programme at eTafuleni in Ward 3, eThekwini, on Wednesday, where men’s health, early detection of life-threatening diseases and mental health awareness were among the key issues addressed.
The MEC expressed concern that many men only seek medical assistance when their symptoms become severe, undermining efforts to detect and treat illnesses early.
She said the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health had taken steps to make healthcare facilities more accommodating to men, including deploying male healthcare personnel at various facilities to help address discomfort and anxiety around seeking medical attention.
“We cannot continue to lose our fathers, brothers, husbands and sons to illnesses that could have been detected and treated earlier,” said Simelane.
She urged men to take responsibility for their health by attending regular check-ups, undergoing appropriate screening and seeking treatment when necessary.
Simelane also cautioned men against relying on their partners to establish their HIV status, saying individuals should take personal responsibility for knowing their status and protecting their health.
She raised concern that some men only consider HIV testing when their partners are pregnant or when women initiate discussions about testing.
The MEC encouraged men to make regular HIV testing, counselling and treatment part of their healthcare routines.
Prostate cancer was another key concern highlighted during the programme. Simelane urged men, particularly those experiencing concerning symptoms or with a family history of the disease, to consult healthcare professionals about appropriate screening and diagnostic options.
She warned that serious illnesses could progress without obvious symptoms in their early stages, making timely medical consultations important.
The MEC also called for stronger community-level interventions to encourage men to speak openly about their health and challenge social attitudes that portray seeking medical assistance as a sign of weakness.
The programme further highlighted cervical and breast cancer, with Simelane encouraging eligible women to access screening services at their nearest healthcare facilities.
She stressed that women should not wait until symptoms develop before seeking screening, as early detection can improve treatment outcomes. Families and communities were also urged to support women in accessing healthcare and to promote accurate information about cancer prevention.
October is observed as Mental Health Awareness Month, and the MEC called on communities to take mental wellbeing as seriously as physical health.
She said stigma, fear of judgement and social expectations often prevented people from seeking psychological support, with men particularly affected by pressures to conceal their emotions or avoid acknowledging when they were struggling.
Simelane encouraged people experiencing emotional distress, depression, anxiety or other psychological difficulties to seek professional assistance.
“Good health is not only about treating physical illnesses; it is also about protecting our mental wellbeing and ensuring that nobody suffers in silence,” she said.
She called on families, community leaders and other stakeholders to create supportive environments where people could speak openly about their mental health without fear of discrimination.
Through the Isibhedlela Kubantu programme, the provincial Department of Health takes healthcare services and health education closer to communities, while providing residents with opportunities to engage directly with provincial and district health personnel about their healthcare needs and challenges.
Simelane urged residents of eTafuleni and surrounding communities to make use of available public healthcare services, attend routine check-ups and encourage their loved ones to seek medical attention early.
She said improving community health required a collective effort involving government, healthcare workers, families, traditional leaders, community leaders and individuals taking informed decisions about their wellbeing.
