Movember, the global men's health charity, is marking its 20th anniversary with the launch of the $100 million Movember Men's Health Institute. The new initiative aims to accelerate progress in men's health, building on Movember's significant investments in the sector over the past two decades.

Movember has reportedly invested close to $1 billion globally in men's physical and mental health over the past 20 years. These investments have led to significant medical breakthroughs, particularly in the management of advanced prostate cancer. Movember's funding has also contributed to a decline in the prostate cancer death rate in five out of the six countries where it operates.

However, despite these achievements, Movember CEO Michelle Terry said men continue to die too young due to inadequate health awareness and literacy.

"Although there are many contributing factors, inadequate health awareness and literacy means that many men often underestimate their health needs and avoid seeking vital care and resources," Terry said.

The Movember Men's Health Institute will receive an initial investment of $100 million over the next five years. The Institute aims to accelerate research and translate it into practical outcomes to address critical men's health issues. Professor Simon Rice has been appointed the Global Director of the Institute.

"I'm thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with the Movember Men's Health Institute. It's an initiative that will propel us faster towards our goal of improving men's health and wellbeing globally," Rice said.

In addition to Movember's investment, the Australian Government, through Cancer Australia, will commit $5 million to the expansion of a national platform tracking the outcomes and experiences of cancer patients. This initiative is spearheaded by Movember, further cementing the charity's role in the fight against cancer.

Movember's 20-year journey has seen it invest more than $977 million in global funding projects, including more than $640 million in cancer, and $335 million in mental health and men's health promotion.