Today we convened a National Dissemination of the Health Sector Male Engagement Strategy and Implementation Plan, chaired by Dr. Richard Kabanda, Commissioner for Health Promotion, Education and Communication at the Ministry of Health – Uganda, and also leading the Male Engagement Technical Working Group, co-chaired by Dr. Lydia Mungherera.
Together with partners, government officials and line ministries, the dissemination meeting highlighted the critical role men play in household decision-making, community well-being, and overall health outcomes while addressing the gaps that have historically left men out of health promotion initiatives.
Opening the discussion on the influence of men in health promotion, Dr. Richard Kabanda emphasized the core motivation behind the strategy: “Men influence so many things at the household and community level, but we have been left behind so many times when it comes to health issues and support.”
The launched strategy seeks to strengthen meaningful male engagement in health decision-making, encouraging men to take an active role in their health as well as the health of their families. Addressing the social and cultural drivers of health and gender equality, Dr. Angela Nakafeero, Commissioner for Gender and Women Affairs at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Uganda, connected male engagement directly to mentorship, women’s empowerment, and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV): “Transitioning boys into responsible men requires daily guidance from family members and communities that promote positive, respectful masculinity. So we can support girls and women to advance their rights and prevent gender-based violence (GBV). However, to fully realize this, we need to put more resources and commit to multisectoral involvement in this implementation.”
The National Health Sector Male Engagement Strategy and Implementation Plan serves as a roadmap for sustainable change by aligning public health goals with community mentorship and positive male involvement.
Uganda takes firm credit for putting this male engagement strategy into action, leading by example to other continental countries.
Coalition for Health Promotion and Social Development (HEPS-UGANDA)
