Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 29 December 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to (a) develop a dedicated men’s health strategy, similar to that published by the UK Government for men in England, and (b) address any health inequalities affecting men and boys.
The Scottish Government is committed to improving life expectancy and tackling health inequalities across the whole population.
On 17 June 2025, the Scottish Government and COSLA published a Population Health Framework, which sets out a whole-system, cross-government and cross-sector approach to improving population health and reducing inequalities over the next decade.
There are no current plans for the Scottish Government to develop a specific strategy focused on men’s health; however, the Framework contains 30 initial actions, including in those areas that disproportionately affect men. For instance, the Scottish Government's commitment to develop a Healthcare Inequalities Action Plan to improve healthcare access and equity, as well as development of an Alcohol and Drugs Strategic Plan - building on the progress of the National Mission - which will be published in the new year.
Furthermore, the Scottish Government will shortly be publishing a new Suicide Prevention Action Plan, for 2026 – 2029. In view of the persistent trend of male suicide, the Scottish Government is determined to address and continue to test new, and creative, ways to reach and support men.