Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley has highlighted the importance of men seeking help and prioritising their mental health and well-being.

Honourable Wheatley was addressing the Office of Gender Affairs Unit’s Tortola Men’s Health Fair last Thursday at the Cyril B. Romney Pier Park.

The event allowed men to access free screening for diabetes and HIV, as well a free general health checkups along with assistance on financial health/money management, and male mental health - such as depression. Massage therapy was also offered in support of overall health and wellbeing.

Honourable Wheatley said by prioritising mental health, men could improve their quality of life, fostering healthier relationships and greater personal fulfillment.

The Minister for Health said, “Understanding the importance of mental health is crucial for their overall well-being. Although it is often overlooked, mental issues such as depression and anxiety, significantly impact men who may feel societal pressure to suppress their emotions. By having open conversations about mental health and seeking professional help can make a profound difference.”

Gender Affairs Coordinator Miss Patricia Hackett said having a Men’s Health Fair was crucial because it helped to raise awareness about prevalent health issues that men often ignore, such as hypertension, heart disease and diabetes.

Miss Hackett added, “We ensured that the health screenings were offered free because we want to promote early detection and prevention of these non-communicable diseases. At the fair, men also received educational resources and advice on sexual health, different types of cancer, especially of the prostate, which are sometimes lost in the message of men’s health.”

 “It is important that we promote a healthy lifestyle for men and offer educational tools on how to live healthy which will lead to long-term wellness on a continuous basis. Men are important in our society and as our theme says, men’s health is our wealth,” the Gender Affairs Coordinator added.

Nine organisations held booths at the health fair and offered their services including the BVI Cancer Society, BVI Diabetes Association, Red Cross, Money Matters BVI, AMARA Spa, Primary Health and Community Services, MHSD- Public Health and Employee Relations Units and Five Doctors Medical and Wellness Centre.

The next Men’s Health Fair will be held on Virgin Gorda on Saturday, June 22 at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Hall beginning at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 2:00 p.m.

The Health Fair is part of Men’s Health Week from June 10 to 22 being held under the theme ‘Men’s Health is our Wealth’.

The Ministry of Health and Social Development (MHSD) remains committed to improving the health and social well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands.