Viatris, a global healthcare company with a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, has launched its EmpowerED for Life campaign across key African countries.
The campaign is aimed at raising awareness of Erectile Dysfunction (ED), breaking the stigma around men’s health, and encouraging men to seek safe, professional medical support.
The EmpowerED for Life campaign seeks to shift the narrative around ED from stigma to support by fostering open conversations, promoting accurate information, and advocating for early diagnosis and proper treatment.
The campaign, launched during a high-level pan-African webinar attended by healthcare professionals, policymakers, media, and men’s health advocates from across Africa, spotlighted the widespread prevalence of ED and its profound impact on men’s physical, emotional, and relational well-being.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a growing public health issue and is often a sign of broader health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, depression and anxiety.
Arvind Kanda, Head of India and Access Markets (ARVs, India, South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa), Viatris, speaking at the launch, said: “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. At Viatris, our mission is to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, and that includes providing solutions to support men across Africa to access information and healthcare they need to thrive.”
The EmpowerED for Life campaign will roll out in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa, deploying a multi-channel strategy including digital media, community outreach, professional education, and partnerships with healthcare providers to reach men and their partners in both urban and rural settings. The campaign is built around four strategic pillars of Awareness, Education, Engagement, and Empowerment, with the ultimate goal of reducing stigma, improving access to care, and strengthening the role of healthcare professionals in men’s sexual health.
In addition, the campaign seeks to address the widespread use of unregulated treatments for ED, which pose significant risks to men’s health. Through this campaign, Viatris reaffirms its commitment to advancing health equity and empowering patients by spotlighting a critical yet often overlooked aspect of men’s health. Together, we can ensure no man suffers in silence, and we can pave the way for a healthier future for men across Africa.
