Dealing with Erectile DysfunctionA bold new campaign to raise awareness and demystify erectile dysfunction (ED) has been launched in Kenya and five other African nations.
The initiative aims to challenge stigma, foster open conversations, and promote professional care for men suffering from the condition.
Dubbed “EmpowerED for Life,” the initiative seeks to transform public attitudes toward ED, encouraging men to seek safe, evidence-based treatment and to view ED not as a personal failure, but as a serious health condition often linked to underlying medical issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, depression, and anxiety.
The campaign was unveiled during a high-level pan-African webinar, bringing together healthcare professionals, policymakers, media, and men's health advocates from across the continent.
The EmpowerED for Life campaign will be rolled out in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and South Africa.
A multi-channel strategy will be deployed, combining digital outreach, community engagement, professional education, and collaborations with healthcare providers to reach men — and their partners — in both urban and rural communities.
The campaign is structured around four core pillars: Awareness (promoting open discussion around ED and its causes), education (sharing accurate, science-based information with the public), engagement (encouraging men to seek help and discuss symptoms with professionals) and empowerment (helping men take control of their health and seek timely treatment).
Led by Viatris, a global healthcare company, the campaign will seek to expand access to health services across underserved communities.
“People should be empowered to live healthier at every stage of life. That includes providing solutions to support men across Africa in accessing the information and healthcare they need to thrive,” said Arvind Kanda, Viatris Head of India and Access Markets (ARVs, India, South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa).
Kanda emphasised the urgent need to normalise conversations around erectile dysfunction, noting that shame and misinformation continue to be major barriers.
“Through the EmpowerED for Life campaign, we are not only promoting awareness but also advocating for empathy, evidence-based care, and the normalisation of open dialogue,” he added.
The initiative has been seen as a significant step in tackling a public health issue that, despite its high prevalence, is rarely discussed openly.
“ED is not just a condition that affects a man’s ability to perform sexually; it often reflects deeper health issues and can severely impact self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life,” said Dr. Nnabugwu Ikenna Ifeanyi, Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of Nigeria.
He noted that myths, taboos, and lack of access to trained specialists have contributed to delays in diagnosis and treatment, leaving many men to suffer in silence.
Experts argue that ED should be viewed as a barometer of men’s overall health, often offering early warning signs of serious non-communicable diseases.
“By breaking the silence around ED,” Ifeanyi said, “we can encourage early diagnosis, improve outcomes, and promote better health for millions of African men.”
