As South Africa marks Men’s Health Awareness Month this June, Viatris in South Africa, a part of global healthcare company Viatris (Nasdaq: VTRS), is raising awareness of erectile dysfunction as an indicator of more serious health issues rather than one that is related only to sexual health.
While conversations around men’s health often focus on conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and prostate cancer, sexual health remains an important and frequently overlooked part of overall wellbeing.
Viatris is encouraging men to take proactive steps towards protecting their general health by going for regular medical check-ups, seeking support when health concerns arise, and breaking the stigma around sensitive health issues.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly understood as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection, is increasingly recognised by healthcare professionals as more than just a sexual health issue. Research shows that ED may be linked to, and an early indicator of a range of underlying non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and mental health conditions.
Dr Shingai Mutambirwa, the head of the Urology at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), explains:
“Erectile dysfunction is often misunderstood as simply a quality-of-life issue, when in reality it can be one of the earliest warning signs of more serious underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension. Because blood vessel health plays such an important role in erectile function, ED may present long before other symptoms of chronic disease become apparent, making early assessment and routine screening critically important.”
Recent research also highlights how common the condition may be among South African men. A study conducted at a primary healthcare clinic in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, found that the overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction among men surveyed was 64.9%, with prevalence increasing significantly with age and among men with chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
The same study noted strong associations between ED and co-morbid conditions, while researchers emphasised that screening for erectile dysfunction may provide an opportunity to identify underlying health risks and improve patients’ quality of life.
This reinforces the importance of early intervention, routine screening and healthy lifestyle choices.
“In many cases, men avoid discussing sensitive health concerns or delay seeing a healthcare professional altogether,” said Aman Khanna, Country Head Viatris in South Africa. “But conditions such as erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early warning sign of broader health issues. Too often, men suffer in silence due to fear, embarrassment or misconceptions. By encouraging open conversations and greater awareness, we hope more men will feel empowered to seek support earlier and take charge of their long-term health.”
Studies estimate that ED affects approximately 30–60% of men globally over the age of 40; however, the true burden of ED may be even greater due to underreporting, largely stemming from cultural taboos, stigma, and a lack of awareness.
While aging is considered the primary risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED), people living with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as diabetes, are at significantly higher risk of sexual dysfunction. Research estimates that the prevalence of ED among patients with diabetes in Africa may be as high as 71%, reinforcing that ED is not only a sexual health issue, but also a complex condition often associated with broader underlying health concerns, including cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
As a global healthcare company committed to empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, Viatris continues to support awareness and education initiatives that promote better health outcomes across South Africa and make high quality medicines more accessible. Viatris launched the EmpowerED for Life campaign 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 campaign deployed 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.
