NZ and Eire join men's health policy party

Ireland and New Zealand have joined Australia in announcing a men's health policy during this year's Men's Health Week.

In New Zealand, the government is spending $3 million over the next year to promote greater awareness of men's health. The funding will go into programmes aimed at encouraging men to be more aware of their health and to access healthcare. Workplace clinics and inrpoved health information are part of the package.

Health Minister Damien O'Connor who was filmed having a check-up to launch Men's Health Week says that with better information and self management there's no reason why men shouldn't live longer.

• Watch the minister on TV here

Meanwhile it is also being reported that a national men's health policy will be launched in Ireland in September 2008. Apparently, the policy will seek to move beyond a narrow disease focus on men's health and to consider the wider social, cultural and environmental factors that impact on health.