Across rural Zambia, elderly men silently suffer from undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension not only because of inadequate healthcare systems and poor access to clinics, but mainly because of deeply embedded societal norms that define masculinity.

These norms discourage men from seeking help, expressing vulnerability, or even acknowledging illness, leading to late diagnoses, severe complications, and premature deaths.

• 26% of Zambian adults live with hypertension.
• 1 in 9 adults worldwide lives with diabetes  with many without knowing it.
• In Zambia, these diseases cause blindness, kidney failure, amputations. 

But for rural men, the struggle goes far beyond medical barriers.
Cultural traditions portray men as strong, stoic providers. Illness is viewed as weakness, so many delay care until it’s too late. They suffer silently while their families watch helplessly, leaving wives widowed, children orphaned, and young men learning the same destructive ideals of manhood.

Even when symptoms are obvious, men resist seeking help. Clinics are often 35 to 70 km away, and many lack basic diagnostic tools or medicine. Isolation, shame, and the fear of appearing weak keep them away until it’s too late.

This is more than a health problem , it’s a crisis of identity and dignity.

The story of 68 year old Charles from Sesheke District is one of many: a retired teacher who endured months of worsening symptoms before walking to seek medical care. Misdiagnosed and mistreated, he suffered nerve damage and nearly lost his life. Men like Charles still hold wisdom, purpose what they need is the right type of care.

 HIMZ was founded to challenge these harmful societal norms that keep men trapped in silence and suffering.    

Every donation brings us closer to launching Zambia’s first men’s centered healing initiative.

and potential. What they need is access to healthcare, to connection, and to the freedom to be human.