§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will support and encourage a United Kingdom-wide men's health promotion awareness campaign; and [HL3632]
What plans they have to address the widening mortality difference between social classes among men; and [HL3633]
Whether they will make an annual report on the state of men's health nationally, listing strategies to address gender health differences. [HL3635]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe Government are working closely with a number of voluntary and statutory organisations across the country to raise the profile of men's health. For example, the Health Development Agency is examining what measures are most effective in engaging men's interest in health issues. By this type of collaborative work, the Government are aiming to address men's particular health needs and tackle the inequalities that exist across social classes.
The widening inequalities between men are due to a variety of factors including the wider determinants of health, lifestyle and access to/willingness to take up services. We are addressing these problems in a number of ways. For example, a cross-departmental ministerial group is looking at issues affecting all young people, including young men. Also, the new National Plan for the National Health Service—building on the Acheson Report on inequalities in health and the White Paper Saving Lives—Our Healthier Nation—sets out a strategy for dealing with inequalities in health that will benefit men in lower social class groups, both directly and indirectly. We shall examine how best to report on progress and developments in men's health and to disseminate examples of good, innovative work in alleviating gender-related differences in health.