Scores of men gathered at Makhaza Stadium on Tuesday 28 June for a Men’s Health Awareness drive organised by TB Proof together with various other organisations.
TB Proof is a tuberculosis advocacy non-profit organisation that aims to combine stories and science to work towards a shared goal of a world free of TB.
Bringing services closer to the community
TB advocate Goodman Makanda described the initiative as a first of its kind.
“The awareness is part of bringing services closer to the community. We have various organisations providing different services. The programme is specifically for men. According to our research, few men come to health facilities. They also tend to come only when they are very sick.” He said there were various stalls at the event providing testing for diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV, TB and among other services.
Makanda said before the awareness event organisers had walked around the community mobilising residents.
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Men’s health awareness meets community sport
“We have five-a-side soccer. Each player, before he goes on the pitch, must first be tested. It is left up to the player; if he chooses not to he wouldn’t be allowed to play.”
TASK Clinical Trials community liaison officer Simo Sithandathu described the event as both educational and entertaining.
TASK is a global clinical-research organisation dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative and ethical clinical trials.
Sithandathu said the purpose is to encourage men to take care of their well-being.
“Men are stubborn by nature. They like to do things in their own way and in their own time. We are here today to educate them about the importance of visiting health centres. We encourage them to speak about positive things and stop deceiving each other.”
Residents welcome quick, accessible testing
Resident Vumile Mlunguza (58) described the event as helpful. He said he didn’t normally visit clinics unless he was very sick.
“I tested for high-blood pressure and diabetes. Everything is fine. I wish they could keep on coming, maybe once a month. It is quick here, unlike at the clinic, where you queue for hours.”
