Life expectancy and mortality are some of the most widely available indicators of population health, and are commonly used by governments and international organisations as key measures of social progress.  In addition to being unfair, inequalities in mortality and life expectancy across population groups are a key policy concern - as they are potentially avoidable.  In this report, data from a variety of sources are used to examine inequalities in mortality in Ireland since 2000, focusing on two broad dimensions of inequality: socio-economic status and ethnicity / country of birth / nationality.  Read the report from the Economic and Social Research Institute, funded by the Institute of Public Health, at: https://www.esri.ie/system/files/publications/RS145_3.pdf

In September 2022, HSE Health and Wellbeing - in partnership with the National Centre for Men's Health (SETU), Men's Development Network and Men's Health Forum in Ireland - hosted a webinar focusing upon insights and practical examples of ways to transform culture / context / environment / expectations / systems / ideology / patterns etc. to improve men’s health.  You can view it online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBxP9GwkKAg&t=352s

Alcohol Action Ireland recently published its 2022 Alcohol Market Review.  This Review highlighted that Ireland’s alcohol industry (producers, merchants and retailers) spent an estimated €116m last year advertising alcohol products that cost society an estimated €1.9 billion in health-related alcohol problems i.e. 11% of the overall Irish health budget.  See their report at: https://alcoholireland.ie/wp-content/uploads/filebase/reports/21999-AAI-Market-Review-2022_v4screen.pdf

The Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership (BCPP) programme is led by the Community Development and Health Network and funded by the Health and Social Care Board, with strategic direction provided by a multi-agency Steering Group.  BCPP supports communities and community pharmacists to work in partnership to address locally defined needs, so that people make connections, listen to and understand each other better, and work together to address the social determinants of health and health inequalities.  Applications for the next round of funding (Level 2 projects) will close on the 17th of November 2022.  See: https://www.cdhn.org/bcpp

Infertility is a global disease that affects approximately 15% of reproductive age couples.  Males represent 40% of the diagnosable causes.  Remarkably, no large or multi-national population data exists regarding men’s perceptions about their infertility.  The purpose of this study was to advance knowledge about the infertile male’s social experience regarding: (i) how they feel about infertility; (ii) what motivated them to seek health care; (iii) how likely are they to talk with others about it; (iv) their awareness of male infertility support groups; and (v) what their primary source for information is regarding male infertility.  Read more at: https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534/wjmh.220099

Intimate partner relationships can promote men’s wellbeing and their partners’ and families’ health.  That said, the most common stories we hear are of men's distressed and/or disrupted partnerships (e.g. separation and divorce).  That is why the University of British Columbia’s Men’s Health Research Program wants to talk to men worldwide about how they build and sustain equitable intimate partner relationships.  The Men Building Intimate Partner Relationships (MBIPR) project is recruiting participants who: self-identify as a man; are aged between 19-44 years old; have / previously had an intimate partner relationship; and speak English.  Participants will receive a $100CAD honorarium.  Please contact Nina Gao, Project Coordinator, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to participate or visit: https://menshealthresearch.ubc.ca/mbipr for further information.

Register for a place at this webinar - being held on Wednesday 28th September 2022 at Noon - to hear from expert practitioners in the field of men's health, and get fantastic insights and practical examples of ways to transform culture / context / environment / expectations / systems / ideology / patterns etc. to improve men’s health.

Find out more at https://ims.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7_FQwSgKT-yx_jbGUKHsgg

Anyone can experience domestic abuse and coercive control.  'Safe Pharmacy' is a new Irish Pharmacy Union-led initiative that will enable people facing this issue to receive support in their local pharmacy by offering access to a phone and contact details for local support services.  This enables the person to make that important call e.g. to a family member, local specialist domestic violence services or An Garda Síochána.  Pharmacies that sign-up to the initiative nominate a Safe Pharmacy Champion within their pharmacy.  The Champion can be a pharmacist, technician or an over-the-counter staff member.  Those experiencing domestic abuse and coercive control may have difficulty making contact safely with the support they need while they are at home.  Their movements and access to phones may be monitored and limited.  Pharmacies are ideally placed to provide a means to additional support.  They are located in all parts of Ireland, are accessible and used by all, and are a trusted part of communities - with highly trained, compassionate and discreet staff.  Find out more about this initiative at: www.ipu.ie/safe-pharmacy  |  https://youtu.be/nCm2WaiTrGg