Led by Men’s Health Network, representatives from six leading men’s health organizations around the world met at the 2nd World Congress on Men’s Health in Vienna, Austria in 2002 and resolved to work together to launch International Men’s Health Week (IMHW).

The goal is to increase awareness of male health issues on a global level and to encourage inter- and intra-national institutions to develop health policies and services that meet the specific needs of men, boys, and their families.

The history of International Men’s Health Week and Men’s Health Month can be found here.

Men’s Health Week, celebrated annually during the week ending on Father’s Day as recognized in the USA, honours the importance of the health and wellness of boys and men. Father’s Day was chosen as the anchor to make use of the extra attention paid to male family members near that holiday.

Men’s Health Week provides an opportunity to educate the public about what can be done to improve the state of men’s health while providing free and convenient health services to boys and men who wouldn’t otherwise receive such care. The response has been overwhelming, generating thousands of awareness activities in the USA and around the globe.

Men, Mental Health and Covid-19

Everybody's mental health has been challenged by the lockdowns and insecurities of the last year and it's not over. As we emerge from what we hope will be the worst of the pandemic, questions, concerns and anxieties remain. Men's Health Week 2021 (14-21 June) asks: how do we move forward?

A Men's Health Strategy?

The UK parliament, the Welsh Senedd and the Scottish Assembly will all be sitting during Men's Health Week this year.

Yes, we need an enquiry into why the UK has one of poorest records internationally when it comes to preventing Covid deaths - but we also need action now. As with individuals, it's never too late for governments to take action on mental health.

The UK government have already committed to a Women's Health Strategy. This is the ideal time to launch a Men's Health Strategy - Sign the petition!

Each year, there is also a specific theme. During 2021, the island of Ireland will be focusing upon 'Making the Connections', and everyone is being asked to 'check in, check up and check it out' - as we continue to try to overcome the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The celebration of Men's Health Week on the island of Ireland is funded by the Health Service Executive Health and Wellbeing and the Public Health Agency.