Movember - Mustaches for Men's Health

Movember has been around for more than 10 years. The Movember Foundation has been actively advocating and supporting global projects around the subject of men's health issues. Let's take a closer look. 

Movember Foundation

Most people have heard or are aware of the term "Movember". It has become the poplularly known as the month during which men grow their mustaches. Very few are aware of the deeper meaning behind this symbolic act. 

The Movember Foundation was established more than 10 years ago, supporting and bringing awareness to men's health issues. The following four focal points are brought to the forefront:

• Prostate cancer
• Testicular cancer
• ​Men's mental health issues & suicide prevention 
• Improvement of men's general health 

History

Two friends from Melbourne Australia came up with the idea in 2003 while in a bar. At that point, the mustache was nowhere near trendy, and hasn't been for years. But was it possible to restore the trend and do good at the same time?

A year later a website was created whereby visitors where able to make a donation to the Australian Prostate Cancer Foundation. The Movember Foundation was acknowledged as an official charity organisation in 2006, which simultaneously branched off to New Zealand. 

A lot has happened since then. Today, the Movember Foundation is active in more than 20 countries worldwide, and more than 5 million people have taken part in the initiative. Since 2003, more than 485 million donations have been collected, which have supported over 1200 projects directed at men's health issues. 

Independence

Since creating the Movember Foundation, a considerable amount of donations have been collected. The organisation has also ranked in the 100 best NGOs in the world. All projects are supported solely with the help of these donations, i.e. the organisation is completely independent from and federal aid. 

Vision & Goals

The main objective surrounding the vision of the foundation is influencing men's health in a sustainable manner. The organisation's aim is a 25% reduction in premature male deaths by 2030. This is to be achieved by challenging the status quo and initiating constructive changes. 

Early detection is crucial for the success rate of treatments when it comes to prostate and testicular cancers. Simply put: early detection can save lives. Regular medical check-ups are of fundamental importance.