Men’s health in focus: Breaking barriers to routine checkups, mental wellness

TANZANIA: Men are at the heart of Tanzania’s families, communities, and workforce. Yet, many rarely seek medical care unless a condition becomes critical. Conversations about stress, mental health, or routine checkups remain limited, often because of deep-rooted beliefs that equate strength with silence.

This silence has consequences. Undiagnosed conditions, unmanaged stress, and delayed treatment contribute to worsening health outcomes. On a national scale, the impact is even broader: poor men’s health reduces productivity, increases healthcare costs, and undermines economic growth. Simply put, healthier men mean stronger households and a more resilient economy.

To overcome these barriers, we must redefine the idea of strength. True strength is taking responsibility by getting screened, managing stress, asking questions, and seeking help without fear of judgment. Shifting this mindset requires practical action from every sector.

Workplaces are a vital starting point. By integrating wellness programmes, offering flexible health benefits, and fostering open dialogue, employers can influence positive behaviour. Community and faith leaders can also use their platforms to challenge stigma and encourage early engagement with healthcare.

For instance, the Jubilee Health Insurance is actively addressing this gap through its Maisha Fiti programme. This initiative creates safe, inclusive spaces where men can speak openly about their health, understand personal risk factors, and take meaningful steps to improve their physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Recognizing the strong link between financial stability and overall health, Maisha Fiti also supports men in building resilience across all areas of life.

It enables men to seek timely care, adopt preventive habits, and take greater control of their health journey.
Improving men’s health is not only a clinical issue but also a development priority. When men are well, families thrive, children are better supported, and national progress accelerates. A healthy male population is more productive, more present, and more capable of driving change.

Change, however, starts with small, consistent steps like booking a checkup, talking to a peer, joining a wellness group, or simply choosing rest when needed. These action, though often seen as minor, create momentum for a healthier, more conscious generation of men.

As we focus on Tanzania’s future, we must bring men’s health into the spotlight. That means breaking cultural taboos, providing affordable access, and creating inclusive, judgment-free spaces for health conversations. It means showing men that caring for their wellbeing is not weakness, but wisdom.

We are at a turning point. With the right support, men can take charge of their health and, in doing so, uplift everyone around them. Let’s ensure the message is clear: seeking help is a strength. Talking about wellness is a step forward. And choosing to live fully—body, mind, and spirit—is the greatest investment a man can make.