In spite of increased male life expectancy, men in Ireland continue to have higher death rates at all ages, and for all leading causes of death than women. Evidence of gender differences in the incidence, symptoms, and prognosis of a wide range of health problems is also well documented.

Historically, men’s health has received little attention in terms of consultation, planning, strategy development or project implementation. However, the picture is changing and there is an increasing awareness of the need to focus on men’s health and gender specific initiatives.

In 2004, the Institute of Public Health in Ireland (IPH), in association with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, published an All-Ireland Men’s Health Directory outlining organisations, projects and individuals working in men’s health in Ireland.

In 2006, the directory was updated and evidence shows that an increasing number of organisations and groups are providing opportunities for men to learn more about their health and take practical action.

The directory will be useful to those wishing to make contact with men’s health activities as well as policy makers, health professionals and people working in the area of men’s health.