Men’s poor health-seeking behaviour under spotlight

THE National Aids Council recently organised a wellness fair for men at Glendale Stadium in Mazowe district in a bid to address poor health-seeking behaviour among men as part of its campaigns ahead of the World Aids Day.

Mazowe district Aids coordinator Mrs Mercy Mudhombo said they organised a soccer tournament to lure men who are reluctant to approach health facilities for services.

“In Mazowe district 85 percent of 90 people know their status, only 36 percent of the 85 percent are men. It is important to target men and we have used music and soccer as enablers because men don’t easily approach health facilities for services,” said Mrs Mudhombo.

“Men always appear to be busy and they have a negative attitude towards going to clinics. Our culture encourages men to be strong and seeking medical assistance frequently makes them feel weak. When you see a man approach a health facility he is really sick.

“We have partnered with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Howard Hospital and other stakeholders to provide HIV testing, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision, BP and diabetes checks, as well as cancer information

“The response is better and we expect more numbers towards the end of the day. Mazowe is the provincial hotspot for HIV/ AIDS and sexually transmitted infections prevalence with HIV prevalence estimated at 14,3 percent. The district is rich in minerals attracting people from all over the country.”

PSI assistant field officer Mr Norman Chingwaro said they managed to circumcise about 10 130 men in the district and their target is the 10 to 50 age group especially those who are sexually active.

“We are doing the surgical and prepex methods,” he said. “Circumcision has become the pillar of HIV programing in reducing HIV transmission by 60 percent. The foreskin is incinerated, people have myths of where the foreskin goes after circumcision.

“We give them underwear after circumcision to help maintain upward position of the manhood to help with the pain and healing process. Through community dialogue a large number of men will come forward and improve compensation behaviour.”