In closing Men’s Health Month, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission are sounding the alarm on the critical health challenges facing men across the region. Backed by sobering data and a united front, the two agencies are urging a cultural shift in how men approach their health and wellness.
“The statistics are deeply concerning,” said Dr. Lisa Indar, Executive Director of CARPHA. “We need to collectively advocate for increased efforts towards preventive care and early intervention strategies.”
Studies continue to show that men in the Caribbean are less likely than women to seek medical care until symptoms become severe. According to the Pan American Health Organization’s STEPS Survey (2022), just 32% of men aged 25–64 reported undergoing preventive check-ups, compared to 58% of women.
The regional impact of this gap is staggering. In Saint Lucia, men are 40% more likely than women to die from cardiovascular disease. In St. Kitts and Nevis, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 83% of all deaths, with men facing a 30% higher rate of premature mortality. Similarly, stroke mortality rates in Antigua and Barbuda are 50% higher among men than women, according to PAHO’s 2020 Eastern Caribbean NCDs Profile.
Behavioral factors also compound the crisis. The Saint Lucia Ministry of Health reported in 2021 that 45% of men only sought care when symptoms became severe, compared to 28% of women. Mental health stigma further limits access to care. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, men were found to be 3.2 times less likely than women to access psychotherapy services, per a 2021 CARICOM Secretariat study. PAHO’s 2022 Health and Masculinity study revealed that 70% of OECS men associated seeking mental health support with a perceived failure to fulfill masculine roles.
This year’s Men’s Health Month theme, “Closing the Empathy Gap,” focuses on promoting awareness, advocacy, and cultural change to combat harmful norms that deter men from prioritizing their well-being.
“Too often, our Caribbean men delay seeking care until it is too late,” said the Director General of the OECS Commission. “Men’s Health Month is a critical reminder that prevention saves lives. Note to self: regular check-ups, healthy habits, and early screenings are not just acts of self-care; they are acts of strength.”
Dr. Indar emphasized the need for safe, supportive spaces: “This delay often exacerbates health issues, as men frequently wait until symptoms escalate. By fostering a culture of support and understanding, we can significantly enhance men’s health outcomes.”
CARPHA and the OECS are calling on families, communities, and healthcare systems to help challenge socio-cultural norms that discourage men from seeking care and to create empathetic environments that prioritize prevention and early detection. Both agencies reaffirm their ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and improving outcomes for all men across the Caribbean.
