Australia is one of the world’s healthiest societies, yet men die six years younger than women on average. Men and boys in Australia also account for:

95% of workplace deaths

4 out of 5 heart disease deaths (before the age of 65)

3 out 4 of suicides

3 out 4 road deaths

2 out of 3 violent deaths

When looking at gender health gaps, it is important to note that women fare better than men in some areas and worse in others. With life expectancy, for example, there is a clear gap between males and females, which starts in the womb and continues throughout life:

Boys are more likely to be miscarried or stillborn

3 out of 4 sudden infant deaths are boys

3 out 5 children who die before the age of 15 are boys

70% of people aged 15-24 who die are male

Over 60% of people who die before 65 are male

Men under 75 are twice as likely as women to die from preventable causes

Women are 3 times more likely to live to 100 and older

The right to enjoy “the highest attainable standard of health” is recognised internationally as a fundamental human right. This means that Governments have an obligation to respect, protect and fulfill everyone’s right to good physical and mental health throughout life, by taking action to tackle the social factors that shape men’s and women’s health.

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