Dr. Naeem Dalal, the Advisor for Non-communicable Diseases, Injuries, and Mental Health for Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of breaking cultural stereotypes that hinder African men from seeking emotional and mental wellness help. Dalal highlighted that statistics show a higher rate of suicide among men in Africa, and cultural expectations often prevent men from reaching out for mental health support.
He pointed out that the cultural pressure for men to be supportive, responsible, and the primary breadwinners contributes to the reluctance of men to seek help. The perception that vulnerability is not accepted in African communities further exacerbates the challenge of addressing mental health concerns among men.
To address this issue, Dalal suggested several solutions, including mental health advocacy programs for communities, addressing men’s health specifically, and promoting mental health fellowships to build capacity among healthcare workers. He commended ongoing efforts by the Africa CDC to promote advocacy, policy changes, and capacity building to address mental health challenges on the continent.
The theme of the International Conference on Public Health in Africa (CPHIA) 2023 is “Breaking Barriers: Repositioning Africa in the Global Health Architecture.” The annual event runs from November 27 to November 30 in Lusaka, Zambia.