By Simba Matake
HARARE — The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has called on men to prioritise their health, undergo regular medical check-ups and become more informed about their consumer rights as the country joins the global observance of Movember, also known as Men’s Health Month.
In a campaign message marking the November men’s health awareness period, CCZ highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, early detection of illnesses and access to safe and quality medical services, urging men to take greater responsibility for their physical well-being.
The consumer watchdog said healthy men were essential to building stronger communities, emphasising the connection between individual health, family welfare and national development.
Under the theme, “Healthy Men. Stronger Communities. Informed Consumers”, CCZ encouraged men not to neglect their health or postpone seeking medical attention when experiencing symptoms of illness.
“Take care of your health,” CCZ urged, stressing the importance of making personal health a priority and adopting responsible healthcare practices.
The organisation also encouraged men to seek regular health check-ups, noting that routine medical examinations play an important role in identifying potential health problems early and enabling timely intervention.
CCZ’s awareness campaign comes at a time when men’s health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and mental health challenges, continue to require greater public attention and awareness.
The campaign seeks to encourage men to overcome barriers that often prevent them from seeking medical assistance, including fear, stigma, limited awareness and the tendency to delay medical consultations until illnesses become severe.
CCZ further reminded men that accessing healthcare is not only about seeking treatment but also understanding their rights as consumers of health services.
“Know your consumer rights to safe and quality healthcare,” the organisation emphasised, encouraging men to be informed about the standards of healthcare they are entitled to receive.
The council’s message places particular emphasis on consumer protection within the healthcare sector, where patients should be able to access appropriate medical information, quality services and fair treatment when dealing with healthcare providers.
As a consumer protection institution, CCZ’s involvement in the awareness campaign also highlights the importance of ensuring that patients are not disadvantaged through poor service delivery, inadequate information or unfair practices in the provision of healthcare.
The organisation encouraged men to become active participants in decisions concerning their health by asking questions, seeking professional medical advice and making informed choices about healthcare services.
Beyond physical health, Movember also provides an opportunity to address men’s mental and emotional well-being, including the pressures associated with family responsibilities, economic challenges, relationships and social expectations.
The campaign calls for greater openness around men’s health, encouraging conversations that can help break stigma and create supportive environments where men feel comfortable seeking assistance.
CCZ’s message reinforces the need for individuals, families, communities and healthcare institutions to work together in promoting preventive healthcare and ensuring that men have access to reliable health information and quality medical services.
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, which is marking its 70th anniversary, continues to promote consumer awareness and protection, with its latest campaign extending these responsibilities into the area of men’s health and healthcare consumer rights.
Through the Movember awareness initiative, CCZ is encouraging men to take charge of their health, seek regular medical examinations and remain informed consumers, underscoring that healthier men contribute to healthier families and stronger communities.