Movember launched the ‘Real Face of Men’s Health’ report recently. The report highlighted that while there have been notable improvements in men’s health and their life expectancy since the introduction of the National Men’s Health Policy in 2009, that men in Ireland continue to die too young from largely preventable causes. The comprehensive study, produced with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland and the National Centre for Men’s Health in South East Technological University (SETU), calls for the full rollout of the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan.
The findings are stark, two in five (40.2%) of all male deaths are premature, and men are 40% more likely to die prematurely than women across the five leading causes. The disparity is very significant for socio-economic factors, with men in the most deprived areas 150% more likely to die before age 75.
Mental health remains a critical concern, with men accounting for four in every five suicides (79%). GPs reported seeing high numbers of male patients with suicidal ideation, citing stigma and social norms around self-reliance as major barriers to men seeking help. Notably, only 14% of GPs reported that they felt very confident to engage a man around suicide.
Furthermore, the impact of men’s ill-health is not confined to the individual. The report shows a significant “ripple effect,” with 60% of caregivers (mostly women) reporting a decline in their own mental health due to caring responsibilities.
Health economic analysis estimates that the five leading causes of premature male death cost the country over €1 billion in 2023 alone, with €716 million of that being preventable.
Movember is appealing to the Government to increase funding to progress the HSE National Men’s Health Action Plan, stating that investment will benefit not just men, but families and society as a whole.
Dr Noel Richardson, Director, National Centre for Men’s Health, South-East Technological University and Lead Author stated:
“This landmark report sheds considerable light on the state of men’s health in Ireland today and the range of factors that shape health outcomes in men. The depth and breadth of data contained in the report will be such an important resource for policy makers and practitioners working in men’s health in the years ahead. It makes a compelling case that men’s health matters and that improving men’s health benefits not just men but has important ripple effects for women’s and children’s health and for wider communities. Most importantly, the report can be a catalyst for positive change in men’s lives by appealing to men to protect their most valuable asset – their health.”
To access the full report: https://movember.com/uploads/files/2025/Movember%20-%20The%20Real%20Face%20of%20Men’s%20Health%20Report%20Ireland%202025.pdf