Várzea Grande health units launch men's health awareness week in July

From July 15 to July 31, 25 Basic Health Units (UBSs) in Várzea Grande, Brazil, are running a men's health awareness program timed with the national Men's Day on July 15. The campaign targets the roughly 147,000 men (49% of the municipality's population) and offers primary‑care services such as blood‑pressure checks, glucose tests, vaccination updates and rapid screening for syphilis, hepatitis and HIV. Specific units will provide on‑site care at two local companies and hold community activities including breakfasts, talks on prevention, smoking‑cessation groups and STI‑testing sessions.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to promote men's health in Brazil, where the International Men's Day is observed on July 15 (in addition to the global date of November 19). Advocates say the dual dates help draw attention to physical and mental health issues affecting men and aim to improve preventive care uptake.

Organizers stress that men historically use health services less frequently, and the program seeks to change that by bringing basic services directly to workplaces and neighborhoods, hoping early detection of chronic conditions like hypertension and heart disease will lead to ongoing treatment.