What we're doing about men's health

The Australian Government’s National Men’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 lays out a national roadmap to support the health and wellbeing of men and boys across their lives, with a strong focus on reducing disparities for those at greatest risk. 

It begins by examining why men’s health matters, highlighting key issues such as earlier mortality, higher prevalence of chronic conditions and elevated risk behaviours among men compared to women. 

The document emphasises that men and boys are not a homogenous group: diversity in age, ethnicity, sexuality, cultural background, and geography influences health outcomes and service needs. 
consultations.health.gov.au

Five priority health-issue areas are identified:
⦁ Mental health and wellbeing
⦁ Chronic conditions
⦁ Sexual and reproductive health
⦁ Injuries and risk-taking behaviour
⦁ Healthy ageing

The strategy also articulates key action areas including: empowering men and boys to optimise health, strengthening the health system’s ability to provide male-centred care, building the evidence base to inform practice, and creating cross-sector partnerships. 

For community work professionals, this strategy offers a comprehensive structure for aligning programs, services and evaluation frameworks with national priorities in men’s health. It also emphasises the importance of inclusive, culturally responsive approaches—essential when working with populations such as Indigenous men, those in remote areas, or men from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.