Health
Viatris takes erectile dysfunction awareness campaign to Lagos streets
Janet Ogundepo
Global healthcare company Viatris has taken its EmpowerED for Life campaign to the streets of Lagos to promote open conversations about erectile dysfunction and encourage men to seek medical care without shame.
The campaign, led by medical doctor and health educator, Dr Damian Avar, also known as Sabi Doctor, engaged 25 men and women across age groups at Ikeja City Mall and The Palms Mall, inviting them to share their views and experiences relating to erectile dysfunction.
In a statement sent to Punch Healthwise, Avar noted that responses from participants showed growing awareness of the condition; however, stigma continues to discourage some men from discussing their experiences or seeking medical help.
Viatris’ Associate Vice President, Commercial, Sushil Mishra, said taking conversations about erectile dysfunction into public spaces was necessary to break the silence surrounding men’s sexual health.
“We wanted to shift this conversation from the confines of clinics into everyday spaces, because awareness truly begins here,” Mishra said.
He noted that erectile dysfunction could affect not only men’s physical health but also their confidence, relationships and emotional well-being, stressing the importance of creating safe spaces for education and understanding.
Mishra said global projections suggest that more than 320 million men worldwide are affected by erectile dysfunction, with developing regions projected to experience the most significant increases.
He further noted that despite its prevalence and effect on quality of life, the condition remains widely underreported.
Mishra said erectile dysfunction deserved medical attention rather than judgment, noting that stigma often prevented men from seeking help.
“Men’s health conversations need to move from silence to action. Erectile dysfunction is often an early indicator of broader health concerns, yet many men ignore it due to stigma,” he said.
He added that initiatives promoting informed discussions could encourage early diagnosis and improve health outcomes.
Mishra also noted that research indicates erectile dysfunction could serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, sometimes appearing before more serious heart complications.
One participant in the street interviews said stigma, pride and embarrassment often prevented men from discussing the condition.
The participant added that open conversations involving healthcare professionals could help normalise erectile dysfunction as a medical condition and encourage men to seek help early.
In the statement, Viatris noted that the EmpowerED for Life campaign operates in six African countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa.
The initiative combines community outreach, digital storytelling and public education to improve understanding of erectile dysfunction and encourage men to seek professional guidance.
The company advised men experiencing symptoms to consult qualified healthcare professionals for accurate guidance and appropriate care.
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