International Men’s Health Week (MHW) always begins on the Monday before Father’s Day and ends on Father’s Day itself. During 2023, it will run from Monday 12th until Sunday 18th June.

MHW is celebrated in many European countries, as well as in the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and a number of other places worldwide. The overall aims of the week are to:
• Heighten awareness of preventable health problems for males of all ages.
• Support men and boys to engage in healthier lifestyle choices / activities.
• Encourage the early detection and treatment of health difficulties in males.
• Each year, there is also a specific theme. During 2023, the theme for Ireland will be ‘The Picture of Health’ and the call to men (and those who support the health of men) will be what
does that look like to you?

All too often we set ourselves unrealistic or impractical targets. During MHW 2023, everyone will be asked to make new choices and to realise that where there’s a will, there’s a way.

MHW gives everyone (health professionals, service providers, sporting bodies, community groups, employers, policy makers, the media, churches, individuals …) an opportunity to encourage men and boys to take better care of their health and to seek help or treatment at an early stage.

The Men’s Health Forum in Ireland (MHFI) coordinates activity on the island of Ireland and cooperates with other Men’s Health Fora across Europe, and further afield, to mark this week.