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Kenyan men have been advised to go for regular medical checkups to enable them to detect health risks at an early stage.

Dr Pauline Wangui, the head of non-communicable diseases at Gatundu Level Five Hospital in Kiambu County noted with concern that men have been shunning medical screenings, a poor health-seeking behaviour that results in advancement of their ailments.

Wangui said men hardly visit a doctor for regular checkups or when they are ailing due to overblown confidence in themselves, fear of facing female doctors or downplaying the gravity of illnesses.

Speaking during a free male medical checkup at the hospital that was organized by the facility in collaboration with Gatundu KMTC, Kiama Kiama, and Kiambu County government among other groups, Wangui also stated that some consider falling ill a sign of vulnerability and weakness while others fear dishonourable doctors’ feedback such erectile dysfunction.

“Some men are also afraid of diagnostic and treatment procedures and as a result of their refusal to go for screening, they end up dealing with very harsh consequences,” noted Wangui.

She regretted that most lifestyle diseases have silent symptoms which can only be detected through regular checkups and by avoiding doctors, men rob themselves of the chance of an early diagnosis.

During the free medical camp, most men underwent blood pressure, cholesterol tests, and diabetes screening among others which Wangui said will help them identify signs before they develop into severe health complications.

Local leaders present during the event led by Njinji Murigi and Joseph Njiraini said the initiative was meant to create awareness on the need for men to undergo regular testing as most of them consider themselves strong and are always busy working to feed their families.

“Men have come out in huge numbers which is a sign of their willingness to undergo various testing on a regular basis. Many of them believe they are stronger than going to hospitals but knowing their health status is very key in helping them live healthy lives, We continue to urge them to have health insurance funds to facilitate their treatment,” said Murigi.

Men present advocated for the establishment of male wards manned by fellow men in most hospitals to facilitate privacy in their treatment.

“We urge the government to establish special male wards as most men fear undressing before young nurses. Most of them take their privacy very seriously and to ensure they live healthy lives, it is important to create those wings which should also be men-staffed,” said Njiraini.