How often do men truly open up about health struggles? In many Nigerian homes, men are expected to “man up,” keep quiet, and handle their problems like superheroes. So, what happens when the issue isn’t something you can just ignore—when even pride can’t silence the warning signs of a much larger health problem? The answer is often silence, shame, and a troubling reluctance to seek help. But a groundbreaking campaign is aiming to change all that, turning the spotlight on erectile dysfunction (ED) and reshaping men’s health conversations across Africa.
Viatris Launches EmpowerED for Life: An Explosive Move to Break the Silence on ED
A renowned global healthcare powerhouse, Viatris, has just swung open the doors to its “EmpowerED for Life” campaign, beginning in key African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. At the heart of this mission lies an explosive goal: to banish the stigma that keeps men suffering in silence about erectile dysfunction and encourage safe, professional medical support instead of whispered street remedies and half-truths.
Erectile Dysfunction: The Shocking Truth and Hidden Dangers
You know that Yoruba saying, “He who hides his sickness, cannot expect a cure”? This speaks straight to the heart of the matter. ED isn’t just about intimacy—it can signal deeper issues like diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, obesity, depression, and anxiety. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 15% of men globally encounter ED each year, making it surprisingly widespread, yet rarely discussed openly.
Let’s bring the figures closer to home: Back in 1995, WHO estimated over 150 million men worldwide were already affected by ED, and this number is projected to soar to ⎼ wait for it ⎼ 320 million men by the year 2025. With numbers like these, can we still afford to sweep ED under the carpet?
Why Is EmpowerED for Life a Game Changer?
The core of EmpowerED for Life isn’t just launching another campaign; it’s about flipping the script. Instead of spreading blame or feeding taboos, Viatris is encouraging open dialogue—leading not just with empathy, but with facts and encouragement toward real, evidence-based care. According to Mr. Arvind Kanda, Viatris’ Head of India & Access Markets (ARVs, India, South Africa, and Sub-Saharan Africa), men are costing themselves dearly by hiding these health battles: “The stigma surrounding erectile dysfunction often prevents men from seeking the medical attention they need and deserve. Through the EmpowerED for Life campaign, we are not only promoting awareness but also advocating for empathy, evidence-based care, and the normalization of open dialogue.”
Kanda explained that Viatris will deploy a multi-channel strategy, bringing together digital media, grassroots community outreach, professional health education, and partnerships with healthcare providers. Whether you’re a busy banker in Victoria Island or a farmer in Ekiti, this campaign wants to reach you—and your loved ones—where you are.
- Community health talks and digital outreach targeting both urban and rural men
- Partnership with medical professionals for accurate diagnosis and advice
- Campaigns that reach partners, to encourage support and understanding in families
Expert Voices: Unmasking the Real Health Impact
A respected voice in men’s health, Dr. Nnabugwu Ifeanyi, Associate Professor of Surgery at the College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, laid it out clearly: “ED is not just a condition that affects a man’s ability to perform sexually; it often reflects underlying health problems and can severely impact self-esteem, relationships, and quality of life.”
Many African societies, he says, are steeped in myths and cultural taboos about men’s health issues. These can make a man feel as if asking for medical help is somehow less “manly,” leading to dangerous delays in getting proper care. “Campaigns like EmpowerED for Life,” Dr. Ifeanyi notes, “are vital to breaking these barriers and bringing men back into care.”
Nigeria and Ghana: Local Realities, Sobering Numbers
The numbers in West Africa speak volumes. A 2016 study in the Pan African Medical Journal revealed that in Nigeria, anywhere from 43.8% to 58.9% of men in community settings and up to 65.8% of those with chronic health conditions face ED. In Ghana? According to a 2010 publication in the International Journal of Impotence Research, around 65.9% of men—many in the prime of their youth—are affected.
Even more concerning: it’s estimated that up to 85% of African men with ED never seek medical help. Instead, many resort to risky homemade concoctions or keep quiet for fear of ridicule. It’s little wonder that ED remains a largely hidden, yet steadily growing, public health epidemic.
What’s at Stake for Nigerian Men and Families?
Let’s be real: ED is rarely just an “old man’s problem.” Younger men battling diabetes, high blood pressure, or stress from the hustle of daily life aren’t immune either. The ripple effects? Fractured relationships, anxiety, low self-esteem, and in some cases, desperate recourse to unproven local remedies. For many, especially in rural communities, a visit to the doctor is a last resort—by which time, underlying diseases might have already caused lasting damage.
According to British Journal of Urology International, the global picture is no less grim. Experts estimate that ED will impact 322 million men worldwide by 2025. Compared to developed countries where men speak more freely with their doctors, Nigeria and much of Africa still struggle with a culture of concealment and delay.
Can EmpowerED for Life Change the Conversation?
The EmpowerED for Life campaign is a clarion call: “Let no man suffer in silence.” By bringing together healthcare experts, community advocates, and real men and their families, Viatris wants to open the floor for genuine dialogue and support—ensuring access to reliable information, professional consultation, and proven medical solutions. As Kanda reminds, “Together, we can ensure no man suffers in silence, and we can pave the way for a healthier future for men across Africa.”
Key Takeaways:
- ED can be an early warning sign for serious conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
- Over 40% of Nigerian and Ghanaian men reportedly face some form of ED (Pan African Medical Journal, 2016; International Journal of Impotence Research, 2010).
- 85% of African men living with ED reportedly do not get medical help.
- Breaking the silence and debunking myths is crucial for early detection and better health outcomes.
As this campaign gathers pace, every Nigerian family—women, men, and elders—has a role to play. Shedding shame and embracing honest conversations could be the first step toward healthier, stronger communities.
Where Do We Go from Here?
Will Nigerian men find the courage to talk about ED and seek help—before it’s too late? The challenge is real, but with campaigns like EmpowerED for Life lighting the way, the future just might look a little brighter for men’s health across Africa.
What’s your view on men’s health conversations in your community? Do you think open dialogue is possible—or do old habits die hard? Drop a comment and follow us for updates!
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Let’s keep this conversation going—because no wahala too big when we tackle it together!
