Lae centre offers free medical checks for men

MORE than 150 men got free health checkups and medication through a safe space for men’s health provided by a health centre.
The Centre of Mercy in Lae, Morobe, conducted free testing and provided medicines to 200 men through a men’s health day.
Nursing sister Knowledge Ndlovu said quite a number of cases were detected through the free checkups.
“We’re managing some here while some were referred for counselling,” she said.
“We’ve created a safe space for men to come out and seek help for anything relating to their health. Most times we concentrate on health of women and children.
“They’re a vector and often transmits diseases to women and children.
“Not so much has been emphasised on men’s health.
“They don’t have special clinics or help desks in most health facilities.
“So we took a pause to talk about men’s health, it’s easier for a man to talk to another man.
“We want them to come out and access health services, and we’re hoping to work with them.
“So they can feel free to come and access services like women.”
Ndlovu said from the men’s health day, they would see how they could address men’s health issues and work with them.
“We want them to feel free and encouraged to seek health services,” she said.
The day’s theme was, “Men’s health matters”, which aimed to promote safe space for men to talk about their health, raise awareness on health issues affecting men, and encourage them to access health services when and wherever they were.
The event ended men’s health month of June, the health centre provided free health education on men’s anatomy, sexual health, lifestyle diseases, domestic violence and social habits. There were free tests done on blood sugar level, malaria, HIV, weight, height, palpations, and body mass index.
The day was supported financially by Catholic Church Health Services and Colgate Palmolive who provided 600 men’s hygiene packs.
Ndlovu said 300 packs were distributed to men during the programme while another 300 were kept for men coming through outpatient.
“We also bought 336 shaving handles for men and distributed them,” she said.
“We need to strengthen men’s health.
“We’re also planning something similar for women.”