First male health policy gets greenlight

By Matt Johnson

Australia’s first National Male Health Policy will get $16.7 million to kick start projects addressing male health challenges.

The policy includes six priority areas, including a focus on preventative health for males, improving access to health care for males and more research into health problems facing men.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the National Male Health Policy would address issues surrounding the lower life expectancy of men in Australia compared to women.

“Blokes are pretty useless when it comes to dealing with their own health,” Mr Rudd said. “They think they are invincible.”

Mr Rudd said it was time to bring a better focus onto problems facing men that had been buried for a long time.

“We are probably about 110 years late, but it’s good that we are doing it,” he said. “This policy encourages men of all ages to take action to improve their own health.”

The $16.7 million includes $3 million for the Australian Men’s Sheds Association to create more meeting places for men. There is also $6.9 million for the first Australian longitudinal into social, economic and behavioural problems affecting men’s health.

Another $6 million is earmarked for indigenous health promotion.

The policy was developed after consultations with health services and 26 public forums attended by 1300 people.

Article by Herald Sun, May 6, 2010.