Attention accorded to men’s health globally and in Africa is generally insufficient. The life expectancy (LE) of men over the years has consistently been lower than that of women globally. According to a report published by WHO in 2019, men had a LE of 70.9 years while women had 75.9 years. A similar trend can be seen in Africa which had the lowest LE among all WHO regions at 64.5 years. Additionally, females in Nigeria and in other Sub-Saharan African countries generally live longer than men . Diseases are a major cause of reduced life expectancy for men. 33 out of the 40 leading causes of death globally reduce men’s life expectancy more than that of women. Men in Africa generally suffer from poor health seeking behaviors influenced by inadequate health programs targeting men, cultural beliefs, influence of masculinity, among other reasons, which predisposes them to illness and premature death.

Reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality in men, has potential benefits for women, children, and the society at large. Thus, the effort to improve health must focus on the health needs of both sexes and adjust to the differences between them. Attention to men’s health will be particularly important in tackling the global epidemic of non-communicable diseases, which are likely to affect more men than women and to affect men at a younger age. Men should also recognize the impact of their health to the quality of their own and their family’s lives and take responsibility for timely seeking of the necessary health services. The private health sector is increasingly realizing the value of men in the African health system and is introducing more men-centred health solutions and innovations in the healthcare continuum. Through research, education, development, and provision of diagnosis and treatment services for men, the private sector is working tirelessly to improve men’s health outcomes in Africa.