Viatris Vietnam has collaborated with the Vietnam Medical Association to conduct symposia in July and September 2023. These educational events belonged to a series of programmes for pharmacists to enhance their consultation skills for non-communicable diseases, including erectile dysfunction (ED).

ED affects approximately half of men over 40, but despite its prevalence, it remains a topic often shrouded in stigma and shame. A recent societal survey conducted by Viatris highlighted the difficulty men have accepting to speak openly about it.

When men experience ED themselves, 72.5 per cent feel they are personally responsible for the issues – provoking negative feelings of disappointment and embarrassment.

However, over 91 per cent of men agree that ED is a normal part of life that can happen to anyone, and it should not be considered embarrassing. Despite its perception of being common and normal, ED is not something that is discussed openly, with only a third of men doing so.

There is a clear need to raise awareness of ED in society, with over 90 per cent of men and their partners agreeing that ED should be a topic people are educated about – especially given that many men think it is a serious problem that is not easy to treat.

This condition can also have a profound impact on men’s professional lives. Men with ED report higher work productivity loss, activity impairment, and a poorer quality of life.

These findings have deepened Viatris' resolve to combat both ED and the detrimental stereotypes that often accompany it. Through Viatris' ongoing commitment to men's health, it is working diligently to shift perceptions and provide solutions for a condition that has long been shrouded in silence.

Eunice Cho, country manager of Viatris Vietnam said, "Viatris is committed to shattering the taboo surrounding ED and empowering men to seek treatment to improve their sexual health. We have seen countless stories of enhanced intimacy and improved quality of life. We are proud of our 25-year heritage of ED treatment and look forward to continuing the journey, breaking down barriers to normalise this condition, educating society, and improving men’s health."

Trinh Hoang Giang, deputy head of Andrology at Viet Duc Hospital emphasised, “The role of pharmacists in supporting ED patients and maintaining treatment for them is critical. We have the opportunity to encourage and empower pharmacists with updated knowledge and consultative skills so that more Vietnamese men can consider their treatment options.”

Moving forward, Viatris will continue to lay the groundwork to show that ED is a medical condition, not a personal failure. It will continue to set up educational content to enhance the consultation skills of pharmacists, allowing them to improve patient outcomes.