A new study by the National Public Health Institute of Malawi (NPHIM) has revealed that men account for the majority of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the country, with 60 percent of patients being male.
According to the study, the trend is also seen in many African countries.
The findings were presented during the National Public Health Research Dissemination Conference held in Lilongwe under the theme ‘Leaving No Man Behind’.
Speaking at the conference, African Institute for Development Policy (Afidep) Country Manager Elia Zulu said the research highlights the urgent need to address men’s health-seeking behaviour if Malawi were to meet the global goal of ending TB by 2030.
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“If men don’t go to hospitals as much as women do, many remain undiagnosed and untreated.
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“Even those who get tested are less likely to complete their treatment. So, if we are serious about ending TB, we must pay particular attention to men—where they are found, whether in prisons, mines, stadia or workplaces—and bring TB services closer to them,” Zulu said,
He stressed that community outreach programmes and improved clinic environments were critical to encouraging men to seek care and testing.
Researcher Mphatso Phiri said the problem goes beyond TB, as men are generally reluctant to seek medical attention for illnesses.
“Many men delay seeking care because they are breadwinners. When they feel slightly unwell, they often ignore it or self-medicate.
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“There’s also a cultural aspect—men believe they should appear strong and not vulnerable. Unfortunately, this delay means many only seek care when it’s too late,” Phiri said.
He added that men were more exposed to TB because of their work and social environments—such as mines, bars, prisons and crowded public places— where the disease easily spreads through the air.
Malawi TB Control Programme Director Uzani Mbendera said men’s poor health-seeking behaviour not only endangers their lives but also puts their families at risk.
“Men are often the ones who bring TB into their homes. If we don’t target men specifically in TB interventions, we will struggle to break the chain of transmission,” he said.
