Erectile Dysfunction at the Forefront as Viatris Launches EmpowerED Campaign in South Africa

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has taken center stage in South Africa as global healthcare company Viatris launches the EmpowerED for Life campaign, a nationwide initiative aimed at breaking the silence around the condition and steering men away from unsafe, unregulated treatments.

A Growing Concern for Men’s Health

Erectile dysfunction, commonly understood as the inability to maintain an erection during sex, affects millions of men worldwide. While often dismissed as a performance issue, health experts warn it may be an early indicator of serious medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, depression and high blood pressure.

Despite its prevalence, the conversation around erectile dysfunction remains hushed, particularly in African societies. This silence, experts argue, pushes men toward counterfeit remedies that can do more harm than good.

“Fake treatments are flooding the market, and men desperate for a quick fix are putting their health at serious risk,” said Dr Shingai Mutambirwa, head of the Urology Department at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. “We need to change the narrative. Erectile dysfunction is not just about sex. It can be a warning sign that something much more dangerous is happening inside the body.”

Breaking the Stigma

The campaign, which will run across both rural and urban communities, seeks to spark open discussions about sexual health, provide accurate information and encourage men to seek proper medical care.

Wilfred Kedapey, a communication consultant supporting the campaign, highlighted the cultural challenges in addressing ED.
“In many African cultures, discussing sexual health is considered taboo and erectile dysfunction is often seen as a sign of weakness,” said Kedapey. “Men hide their struggles, avoid seeking help and, in some cases, face the breakdown of relationships.”

He added that the campaign’s mission is to dismantle these barriers by creating safe spaces for men to talk about their health without fear of ridicule.

Why It Matters

The stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction has long-lasting consequences, experts say. Left untreated, ED not only impacts mental health and relationships but can also mask underlying diseases that require urgent medical attention.

“Erectile dysfunction gives doctors an opportunity to detect conditions like heart disease and diabetes at an early stage,” explained Dr Mutambirwa. “By encouraging men to come forward, we are not just addressing their sexual health, we are potentially saving lives.”

The EmpowerED for Life campaign represents a pivotal step in shifting perceptions around men’s health in South Africa. Through education, outreach and medical support, Viatris and its partners hope to change how ED is understood and treated across the continent.

Kedapey remains hopeful. “Together we can ensure no man suffers in silence. This campaign is about more than just treatment. It’s about paving the way for a healthier future for men across Africa,” he said.

As the campaign gains traction, advocates believe it could inspire broader change across African societies, making conversations about men’s health as natural and necessary as any other aspect of well-being.

Read more: Shocking Report: 85% of Female Infertility Cases in Sub-Saharan Africa Linked to Infections