International Men’s Day (IMD), observed on November 19, is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the positive contributions men make to families, communities, and society as a whole. While IMD is often overlooked, it serves an important purpose: it encourages everyone to reflect on issues related to men’s health, mental well-being, and social standing. This day aims to promote positive role models, highlight the achievements of men, and increase awareness about the different health challenges that men face.

In 2024, IMD’s theme emphasises the importance of health and well-being, focusing on raising awareness about critical health conditions that disproportionately affect men. In India, men face a high prevalence of diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, often due to lifestyle factors and, at times, limited access to preventive care. This blog explores the history and goals of International Men’s Day, sheds light on the top health risks for men in India, and discusses how crowdfunding can be a valuable tool to cover the often high treatment costs.

International Men’s Day (IMD) is an annual event celebrated on November 19th. It is dedicated to recognising and appreciating men’s diverse roles and contributions in society. It also serves as a platform to address various issues that affect men, ranging from health and well-being to gender equality and social expectations. This blog post explores IMD’s history, themes, importance, and objectives, offering a clear understanding of this observance.

International Men’s Day (IMD): A Comprehensive Overview

International Men's Day 2024

History Of International Men’s Day

The origins of IMD can be traced back to 1992 when Thomas Oaster, the director of the Missouri Center for Men’s Studies, initiated the event. The first IMD was commemorated on February 7th, 1992. However, it gained more prominence when Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh from Trinidad and Tobago re-inaugurated the day on November 19th, 1999. Dr Teelucksingh chose this date to honour his father’s birthday and to recognise the efforts of the Trinidad and Tobago football team, which had united the country with their World Cup qualifying match on that day in 1989.

IMD has since become a global observance, with events and discussions focusing on men’s issues in many countries, including India. In India, IMD has been used as a platform to highlight issues specific to Indian men, such as the pressures of societal expectations and the need for gender-sensitive policies.

Theme Of International Men’s Day 2024

The theme for IMD 2024 is “Men’s Health Champions,” which emphasises the importance of improving men’s and boys’ health as one of the six key objectives of IMD. This theme underscores the need for a collective effort to address health disparities and promote well-being among men. It encourages communities to support men in leading healthier lives, both physically and mentally and recognises individuals and organisations contributing to this cause.

Significance Of Celebrating IMD

Celebrating IMD is significant because it sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of men’s lives, such as mental health, societal expectations, and stereotypes. It provides an opportunity to advocate for better healthcare for men, promote positive male role models, and encourage men to openly discuss their challenges and experiences. By doing so, IMD contributes to a more balanced and inclusive approach to gender issues, recognising that both men and women face unique challenges that deserve attention and action.

Goals Of IMD & Why It’s Important

The goals of IMD are encapsulated in its six pillars, which aim to promote positive male role models, celebrate men’s contributions to society, focus on men’s health and well-being, highlight discrimination against men, improve gender relations, and create a safer world for all. These objectives are crucial in fostering a society that values men’s health and contributions while also working towards gender equality & the eradication of harmful stereotypes.

IMD is important because it celebrates the positive aspects of masculinity and encourages a dialogue on the critical issues men face. It is a day to reflect on how society can support men in overcoming challenges and achieving their full potential, contributing to the overall well-being of communities and societies.

In conclusion, International Men’s Day is a vital observance that highlights the importance of addressing men’s issues and celebrating their contributions. As we approach IMD 2024, let us embrace the theme of “Men’s Health Champions” and work together to make a healthier, more supportive environment for men and boys worldwide.

Top 10 Prevalent Diseases Among Men in India In 2024

In 2024, several major non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, & chronic respiratory conditions continue to pose serious health threats to Indian men, primarily due to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. These conditions account for about 66% of all deaths in India, making them a leading cause of mortality and financial burden in the country.

1. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

  • Prevalence: Cardiovascular diseases remain the ultimate cause of mortality in India, causing around 25% of all deaths. In particular, heart disease has a growing incidence in men, with an increasing number of cases among younger men due to lifestyle changes like inadequate diet, lack of exercise, smoking, & high stress. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 60 million people in India are affected by heart diseases, with men being more vulnerable than women due to higher exposure to risk factors like smoking and sedentary lifestyles​.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and palpitations. In severe cases, it leads to heart attacks, stroke, or heart failure.
  • Treatment Cost: The total cost of heart disease treatment, including hospitalisation, bypass surgery, angioplasty, and post-care, can vary significantly. Angioplasty or bypass surgery may cost between INR 1.5 lakh and INR 5 lakh. Medication for maintenance adds additional expenses, often around INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh annually for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood-thinning medications​.

2. Diabetes

  • Prevalence: Diabetes has become an epidemic in India, with over 80 million people diagnosed with the condition, and projections suggest that by 2030, this number will rise to 100 million. Men are at an increased risk due to poor diet, lack of physical activity, and genetic factors. Diabetes is the second leading cause of death in India, and the condition is particularly prevalent in urban areas​.
  • Symptoms: Frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, and blurred vision are common signs.
  • Treatment Cost: Managing diabetes involves regular medication, insulin for some patients, and constant monitoring of blood sugar levels. Treatment can cost INR 25,000 to INR 1 lakh annually, depending on the severity of the condition and required treatments​. For more severe complications such as kidney failure or nerve damage, the costs escalate significantly, often reaching INR 1 lakh or more for hospital care.​

3. Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs)

  • Prevalence: Chronic Respiratory Diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, are major health concerns in India. It is estimated that over 40 million people in India suffer from some form of chronic respiratory disease. Men are particularly at risk due to higher rates of smoking and exposure to pollution. The condition is more common in urban areas, where air pollution levels are dangerously high​.
  • Symptoms: Persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness are common symptoms of CRDs.
  • Treatment Cost: The cost of managing CRDs, including regular medications, nebulisers, inhalers, and, in severe cases, hospitalisation, can range from INR 30,000 to INR 2 lakh per year. The expenses can increase further if patients require intensive care or frequent hospital admissions for respiratory failure​.

4. Stroke

  • Prevalence: Strokes are becoming increasingly common in India, with almost 1.8 million new cases reported annually. Men are more likely to suffer from strokes, especially in the age group of 40-60 years, due to hypertension, smoking, and high alcohol consumption​.
  • Symptoms: Sudden weakness, numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking, and severe headache are symptoms of a stroke.
  • Treatment Cost: The cost of initial treatment for stroke, including emergency care, hospitalisation, and rehabilitation, can range between INR 1 lakh to INR 10 lakh, depending on the severity of the stroke and the rehabilitation needed​. Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and speech therapy, can cost up to INR 1 lakh annually.

5. Cancer

  • Prevalence: Cancer rates in India have been rising rapidly, with over 1.5 million new cancer cases diagnosed every year. The most common types among men include lung cancer, oral cancer, and stomach cancer. Men are at a higher risk due to factors like tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and exposure to pollutants​.
  • Symptoms: Persistent cough, difficulty swallowing, lumps, weight loss, and fatigue are common signs of cancer.
  • Treatment Cost: Cancer treatment can be prohibitively expensive. The costs for surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy can range from INR 5 lakh to INR 20 lakh, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Additionally, post-treatment care and medications add significant financial strain​.

6. Liver Disease

  • Prevalence: Liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatitis, are prevalent in India, with over 10 million people suffering from liver-related issues. Men are more susceptible to liver disease, often due to alcohol consumption and hepatitis B/C infection​.
  • Symptoms: Jaundice, swelling of the abdomen, and easy bruising are common signs of liver disease.
  • Treatment Cost: Treatment costs for liver diseases can be pretty high. Medications for hepatitis and cirrhosis can cost INR 50,000 to INR 2 lakh annually, while liver transplants, which are required in severe cases, cost INR 15 lakh to INR 20 lakh​.

7. Kidney Disease

  • Prevalence: Kidney disease affects over 10 million people in India, with rising cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD), often due to diabetes, hypertension, and excessive use of painkillers. Men are at a higher risk for CKD due to higher rates of lifestyle diseases​.
  • Symptoms: Fatigue, leg swelling, shortness of breath, and reduced urine output are common signs.
  • Treatment Cost: Dialysis for kidney failure can cost INR 3 lakh annually, while a kidney transplant can cost anywhere from INR 5 lakh to INR 10 lakh, depending on the hospital and location​.

8. Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Prevalence: India continues to have the highest burden of tuberculosis (TB) globally, with nearly 2.4 million TB cases annually. TB is more prevalent in men, especially in those who have compromised immunity due to smoking, alcohol use, or other diseases like diabetes​.
  • Symptoms: Persistent cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats are common symptoms.
  • Treatment Cost: While government-run TB treatment programs provide free medications, private treatment, especially for drug-resistant TB, can cost anywhere from INR 15,000 to INR 2 lakh, depending on the stage of the disease and the need for hospitalisation​.

9. Mental Health Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress)

  • Prevalence: Mental health issues are on the rise, with approximately 10% of Indian men experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. This is especially common in urban settings due to work pressures, lifestyle, and lack of awareness or stigma surrounding mental health issues​.
  • Symptoms: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, irritability, and difficulty concentrating are common signs of depression and anxiety.
  • Treatment Cost: Therapy, counselling, and medications for mental health disorders can cost anywhere from INR 1,000 to INR 5,000 per session. Long-term treatment costs can escalate to around INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh annually​.

10. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Prevalence: Hypertension affects almost 30% of Indian men, with rates continuing to increase due to lifestyle changes, insufficient diet, & lack of physical activity. It is a silent condition that usually goes undiagnosed until it causes other health complications like heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke​.
  • Symptoms: Often, there are no noticeable symptoms, but some people may experience headaches, dizziness, and nosebleeds when blood pressure reaches dangerous levels.
  • Treatment Cost: Managing hypertension with medications, regular check-ups, and lifestyle modifications can cost between INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 annually​.

How Crowdfunding Can Help Cover Costly Treatments This International Men’s Day?

Crowdfunding allows individuals to gather donations from many people for specific needs, like medical treatments, through online platforms. In India, one of the popular crowdfunding sites for healthcare is ImpactGuru. This platform helps families share their stories and collect donations to cover expensive medical bills for diseases like cancer, heart disease, & other severe health conditions.

Steps to Start a Crowdfunding Campaign for Medical Expenses

  • Create Your Campaign:
    • Set up an account on a crowdfunding platform and share your story.
    • Explain the health issue, financial need, and how the funds will be used.
  • Add Photos and Videos:
    • Include images or videos about your treatment or family to build a personal connection.
    • Visuals help people understand the reality of your situation and often inspire more donations.
  • Set a Fundraising Goal:
    • Determine how much you need based on medical bills, travel for treatment, or other related costs.
  • Share the Campaign:
    • Use social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram) to share the campaign link.
    • Encourage friends, family, and supporters to donate and share further for maximum reach.

Why Crowdfunding Is Helpful for Expensive Medical Care?

  • Accessibility for All:
    • Crowdfunding allows families who lack health insurance or savings to access necessary treatments.
    • It reduces the need for high-interest loans or selling family assets.
  • Community Support:
    • Crowdfunding connects individuals facing challenges with a community of caring supporters who can help financially.
    • Many people want to help but may only be able to give small amounts. Crowdfunding makes every small donation count.

Using International Men’s Day (IMD) to Raise Awareness

  • IMD can be a powerful time to share stories about men’s health needs.
  • Link Your Campaign to IMD:
    • Create an awareness post explaining the campaign’s connection to men’s health and how donations can make a difference.
  • Encourage Sharing:
    • Ask friends, family, and supporters to share the campaign with their networks.
    • Use hashtags or messages related to IMD to increase reach and visibility.

Conclusion

This International Men’s Day, we have the chance to make a positive influence on men’s health in India. Men’s health issues are often overlooked, and many men face financial barriers to getting the care they need.

  • Raising Awareness: By highlighting men’s health needs, we can encourage more people to support and share crowdfunding campaigns.
  • Support Through Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding provides a practical way for individuals and families to overcome the high costs of medical treatment.
  • Collective Action: Small donations from many can lead to life-saving funds. This IMD, let’s work together to support men’s health, spread awareness, and make a difference.

This International Men’s Day, let’s celebrate men by acknowledging their role in our lives and standing with them in times of need. Through crowdfunding and community support, we can create a healthier future for men across India.