Nick Fletcher calls for urgent Government explanation for huge numbers of unexpected male deaths since the start of the pandemic

Initial analysis by Nick Fletcher MP (Don Valley) of the Government’s excess mortality statistics¹ from the start of pandemic until the end of 2022 shows more 25 to 64-year-old men in England died unexpectedly, than died from Covid-19.

The MP, who is also the Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Issues Affecting Men and Boys², is calling on the Government to urgently produce a report explaining the underlying reasons for the more than expected deaths from causes such as heart conditions, diabetes and urinary disease. For instance, was this due to men not seeking help or male immune systems being weaker due to lockdowns.

This call for a report on this “significant, serious and startling” situation, forms another reason why the MP is continuing the call for a Men’s Health Strategy. This would tackle issues such as the fact that one man in five does not live until they are 65, 33 men every day of prostate cancer and 13 men every day die by suicide.

Statistics³ from the Excess mortality in England and English regions report (updated 2 January 2023) published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, show that since the pandemic began:

• 78,948 more men (65,313 women) have died unexpectedly;
• Between the ages of 25 and 64, more men (19,293) died unexpectedly than from Covid-19 itself (13,919);
• Twice as many men aged 50-64 died unexpectedly than women (15,646 men and 7,653 women);
• 99,914 men and 82,274 women died from Covid-19, with clear disparities based on age. This is highlighted by the fact whilst 13,919 between 25 and 64 died of Covid-19, the figure was 8,232 for women. The only age group where more women died than men is those women aged over 85.

Excess deaths (mortality) are defined as the number of deaths throughout the pandemic that are above the estimated number expected.  Any excess death is unexpected and does not include COVID-19 deaths. All figures are for the period of week ending 27/03/2020 to 30/12/2022.

Nick Fletcher MP is calling on the Government to urgently conduct and publish a report explaining the underlying reasons for these excess male deaths and what actions it is taking to prevent any further deaths. The explanation needed should not focus solely on a clinical explanation, it is important to also understand whether the health system has neglected men’s wider health needs, whether lockdowns produced weaker male immune systems in men and whether men were, or felt they were, discouraged from seeking help.

These findings significantly reinforces why the MP and the APPG, alongside a range of charities and health leaders⁴, are continuing to call for a Men’s Health Strategy. The implementation of a specific strategy for men would focus on addressing the causes and providing solutions to poor men’s health, including how to make the NHS seem more accessible to men. The Government has a Women’s Health Strategy⁵ which is widely supported but at present, refuses to produce a Men’s Health Strategy.

Nick Fletcher MP, said: “The huge number of men who have died unexpectedly since the pandemic started is significant, serious and startling. We need answers on why the causes of these deaths have impacted men and then take action.

“It is telling that these male statistics are known by the Government and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities but there has yet to be any public commitment to addressing the issue. It does genuinely make you start to ask the serious question, that is it because more men are affected that there is no positive action or announcements? Maybe men’s lives do not matter as much?

“This also provides further evidence of the need for a men’s health strategy. One that will pull together all of the underlying causes of men’s poorer health outcomes and then pave the way for better male health. This includes recognising and understanding the unique needs of men. A Minister for Men would also help as this would make sure there was someone who was accountable on this and on many more issues such as boys’ education.

“We also need to find out why there is this level of female unexpected deaths as well. The figures for women are far too high too.”

Ends

Notes to Editors

1. Office for Health Improvement and Disparities: Excess mortality in England and English regions: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/excess-mortality-in-england-and-english-regions
2. All Party Parliamentary Group on Issues Affecting Men and Boys: https://equi-law.uk/appg-menboys/

3a     Male deaths (see 1 above for source)

3b       Female Deaths (see 1 above for source)

4.        Men’s Health Forum letter to the Government https://www.menshealthforum.org.uk/our-letter-government-nov-22
5.        Office for Health Improvement and Disparities: Women’s Health Strategy for England - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/womens-health-strategy-for-e…