OPINION

As South Africa marks Men’s Health Month this June, it’s time to confront a critical and long-standing issue: South African men, by and large, are not visiting doctors or undergoing health screenings as regularly as they should. Despite living in a digital era where health information is more accessible than ever, studies continue to show that men – especially those between 45 and 50 years old – remain under-engaged in their own healthcare. A significant gap exists in how men access and act on medical advice, which may be contributing to late diagnoses of preventable conditions. But there may be hope – and it lies in digital interventions.Why Men Avoid Doctors: Culture, Pressure, and TimeExperts believe that societal expectations, economic demands, and inflexible working hours are just some of the reasons many men put off doctor visits. This delay can have serious consequences. For instance, men in South Africa are less aware of and less likely to treat hypertension compared to women – a reality that is also mirrored in global health trends. The reluctance to seek help isn’t necessarily about ignorance. It’s often about accessibility and social norms. Digital Tools Could Be the Game-ChangerMen may not be enthusiastic about traditional health visits,...