International Men’s Day 2024: Honoring Men’s Health Champions

St. Lucia Celebrates Men’s Health Champions

Saint Lucia joins the global community in celebrating International Men’s Day (IMD) under the 2024 theme, “Men’s Health Champions.” This year, the focus is on recognizing the critical role men play in promoting healthier communities, not just for themselves but for their families and society at large.

Hon. Dr. Virginia Albery Poyotte.

Minister’s Message

Hon. Dr. Virginia Albert Poyotte, Minister for Gender Affairs, extends her warmest greetings to her male Cabinet colleagues, and the men and boys of Saint Lucia on this important occasion. In her message, the Minister underscores the importance of prioritizing men’s health as a national and global imperative:

“This International Men’s Day, we shine a spotlight on men as health champions—leaders and advocates for healthier lifestyles, workplaces, and communities. By taking care of their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, men can inspire others and build a foundation for a stronger Saint Lucia.”

Cancer Prevalence in Saint Lucian Men

While specific data on the overall prevalence of cancer in Saint Lucian men is limited, 2018-2020 epidemiology data indicate that certain types of cancer significantly impact men in Saint Lucia. Prostate cancer, for instance, had an adjusted mortality rate of 46.1 per 100,000 men in 2019. Other prevalent types include lung and colorectal cancers, with mortality rates of 14.7 and 10.3 per 100,000 men, respectively. These rates underscore the significant health burden posed by cancer on Saint Lucian men.

Department of Gender Affairs Initiatives

Dr. Albert Poyotte reaffirmed her Ministry’s commitment to tackling these challenges through targeted initiatives and strategic partnerships. As part of the IMD 2024 observance, the Department of Gender Affairs is promoting open dialogue on mental health, encouraging men to speak openly about their challenges and access the support they need.

Call to Action

The Minister also called on all men to become proactive health advocates in their homes and communities:

“Health is wealth, and we must all play our part to ensure that men have the resources, education, and support to lead healthy, productive lives. To the men of Saint Lucia: we need you to be role models for healthy living, to your sons, your peers, and the nation. Together, we can build a culture where wellness is a priority for all.”

Conclusion

As we celebrate International Men’s Day, we honor the men who champion health, resilience, and progress in every corner of Saint Lucia. We recognize the critical role they play in promoting healthier communities and acknowledge the challenges they face.

FAQs

Q: What is the theme of International Men’s Day 2024?
A: The theme is “Men’s Health Champions.”

Q: What is the focus of this year’s celebration?
A: The focus is on recognizing the critical role men play in promoting healthier communities, not just for themselves but for their families and society at large.

Q: What is the Department of Gender Affairs doing to support men’s health initiatives?
A: The Department is promoting open dialogue on mental health, encouraging men to speak openly about their challenges and access the support they need.