Men have their own specific sexual and reproductive health needs, and these needs are as diverse as men are. Addressing gender inequities in health, promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, and preventing HIV and gender-based violence is not possible without efforts to directly engage all men and boys.
HIV has highlighted that ‘getting to zero’ is not possible without reaching and involving men and boys in HIV and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes. Men are often poorly served by existing SRH and HIV services and are reluctant to use them, which has direct implications for their well-being and that of their partners and children. Some men feel that they must live up to gender stereotypes by proving their masculinity, which can contribute to an unwillingness to seek help, information or treatment.
Service providers have often focused on reaching women and girls, and clinics and services are often perceived as ‘female-only’ spaces. It is important to develop services that meet men’s specific SRH needs and that are more appealing and accessible to them. Encouraging men to attend as partners and integrating services are some ways to achieve this.
It is vital that all service providers have a good understanding of the SRH issues of different men, as not all men are the same! Younger men, older men, men living with HIV, men who have sex with men, married men, and others, all have additional or slightly different SRH needs. A wide range of SRH-related services should be offered to address issues from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections - to positive prevention, non-communicable conditions (such as male-specific cancers), sexual dysfunctions, family planning, and parenting choices. Service providers should also be able to refer clients to related services, such as harm reduction, mental health and/or other social services.
Men and boys are already changing their attitudes and practices towards sex, relationships, their own health, and their dreams and desires of fatherhood. Men can be fathers, brothers, partners, and friends. For all men we need to ensure our efforts continue to value, support and better serve them in all of these different roles.
Download the full issue of the IPPF HIV Update newsletter: http://www.ippf.org/resource/HIV-Update-Engaging-men-and-boys
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