As the World observed International Men’s Day today, prominent Cardiologist and Presidential Health Advisor, Dr. Mahendra Carpen, is urging Guyanese men to pay closer attention to their health, explaining that in Guyana and the wider Caribbean, men now have a shorter life expectancy than women.

Addressing a National Symposium on men’s health and wellness today, Dr. Carpen said while men’s health and wellness in Guyana have been steadily improving, men still need to pay closer attention to their overall health.

“This is not quite an emergency, but it’s an alert that that we have to pay attention to right now and if we don’t we will get caught up with everything else and we neglect something very important. Men, not just around the world, but in the Caribbean we have a 3-4 year shorter lifespan than women. We live in the same place, we have the same food, we are in the same environment, but men have shorter life expectancy,” Dr. Carpen said.

He told the forum that men are more than twice as likely than women to have premature death, meaning dying before the expected time. Among the causes, he highlighted cardiovascular disease, liver disease, lung cancer and accidents as the main causes of death for men in Guyana.

The suicide rate in the country is also higher among men.

“So, if we are truly looking at equality, we have to address these issues as well. There are certain barriers that men face. Culturally in the Caribbean, we don’t go to the Caribbean until we are sick, and that’s something that need to change immediately,” Dr. Carpen stated.

Minister of Human Service and Social Security, Dr. Vindya Persaud highlighted the need for healthier relationships, strong mentorship for boys, and more supportive spaces for men.

She also highlighted key initiatives such as men’s groups in eight Regions, expanded Brave Centers, the Brotherhood of Safe Spaces, and a new Bridging the Gap Policy to strengthen families and prevent violence.

“I am  firm believer of not labeling men as bad people, we have to move away from that narrative. There are men who contribute positively  and we need to have a balance where boys can see those men as their role models,” the Minister stated.

The forum was designed to serve as a starting point for sustained national dialogue, to encourage informed policy development, deepen community engagement and expand support systems for men and their families.

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