How can male involvement uptake of reproductive health services and help the government of Uganda
meet the SMDGs
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Expert Answer
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Introduction
Male involvement is a practice which refers to the active involvement of men in taking care of their
partners and children. This includes the involvement of fathers as well as the other male community
members to provide support to the family and community for better healthcare services. This type of
practice ensures that the community gets proper physical and mental healthcare facilities and the
maternal and childcare facilities are better. Though this practice is recommended and followed in many
countries, the low and middle-income countries do not always follow male involvement. This results in
poor healthcare conditions due to the low economic resources and the absence of decision-making
power among the women population in these countries.
Importance of male involvement
Research has shown that involvement of men in the family welfare activities improves the outcomes of
physical and mental health. This has led to the global health organizations and the governmental
organizations to promote active male involvement in low and middle-income countries. The rationale
for the involvement of men in these countries can be listed as follows:
1. Men have higher decision making power over women as they are considered as the head of
households and leaders in communities, politics, cultures and religions as well. This gives them a
considerable advantage in influencing decisions and working towards the improvement of
health and welfare of their community.
2. The power exercised by men over the community and the influence they can have over the
society can also resolve the issues involving gender equality.
3. Low and middle-income countries, like Uganda, have some customs and taboos which specify
the way in which men should behave and defines the male dominance. These include smoking,
drinking, sexual prowess and aggression and are defined as characteristics of real manhood.
Male involvement in welfare of family and society can curtail such practices and improve
healthcare conditions.
4. The control of resources by the men is another factor which can be overcome by the male
involvement practice. If decision making is jointly undertaken by both men and women and
partnerships are established, the resources can be accessed by all the population and will lead
to betterment of the community.
Importance in reproductive health and SMD Guidelines
Involvement of men in maternal care and pre- and post-natal processes can improve both maternal and
child health outcomes. Male can be involved in providing physical and emotional support to the women
during the pregnancy, childbirth and ensure proper nutritional requirements are given. Due to the
decision making power and higher influence, the involvement of male can improve maternal health and
childcare.
Severe mental disorders (SMD) are common in the low- and middle income countries, such as Uganda,
where they are commonly associated with many physical diseases. The guidelines for SMD include the
implementation of integrated healthcare for primary and mental health. This involves the integration of
mental healthcare under primary healthcare services such that no gap exists for both physical and
mental care. This will ensure the individual gets resources and services for both physical and mental
wellbeing.
Thus, involvement of male in implementation of the integrated healthcare can help the Ugandan
government in meeting the SMD guidelines.