DUBAI, 11 August 2004 — The world’s leading health care company has launched here an awareness program on sexual health. Journalists from all parts of the region were present at a morning function to listen to the success story of Pfizer which introduced the pills for erectile dysfunction (ED) five years ago.
The program titled “Victory” was meant to increase the number of men who see their doctor for the ED diagnosis and treatment and to ensure the Victory campaign is heard by men around the world.
The ultimate goal is to raise awareness of the issue and to encourage men across the Middle East to approach their physicians to seek treatment, said Dr. Mohammed Khalifa, of Pfizer Middle East, who made the opening remarks at the launch.
The Victory campaign has now been launched in more than 100 countries and provides renewed hope to an estimated 130 million men who experience ED but currently do not seek treatment.
Viagra, a product of the Pfizer for ED which was introduced in 1999, is the second best-selling pharmaceutical product in Saudi Arabia after Augmentin, an antibiotic, Dr. Khalifa said, adding that the dysfunction has now been regarded as an ailment which could be improved after medication.
He pointed out that ED leads to emotional and psychological problems where a man feels ashamed, rejected and creates a negative impact on his daily work.
A unique feature of the campaign was the enrolment of regional patients who are willing to talk openly about the condition and the positive impact from successful treatment they have had on their lives.
“Since I began to take Viagra, I have experienced less anxiety and more enjoyment in life. I feel strong, young and have overcome the frustration I had due to ED. My increased sexual performance has had a profound effect on my life and relationships,” said 58-year-old Egyptian patient Mohammed Marzouk, who is touring the region speaking about his experience.
“I encourage all men who may have suffered from bouts of erectile dysfunction to seek professional advice from their physicians. There are alternatives to a life of frustration and I am proud of the benefits that Viagra has brought to my life,” Marzouk said.
ED can be treated quickly and easily, and men in the Middle East should not shy away from seeing their physicians to discuss the topic. In nearly all cases, a medical profession can issue a prescription on the first visit, said Dr. Khalid Mohammed Lotfy Dabees, president of the African Society of Sexual and Impotence Research.
The Victory campaign will be rolled out internationally in three phases. During the initial launch, Pfizer will work closely with the Victory ambassadors to demonstrate that men with ED do not have to suffer in isolation. During the second phase, the ambassadors will invite men from around the world to communicate their own experience of the benefits of successful ED treatment. The final phase would seek to highlight the topics of ED and male sexual health issues in the region and will focus on encouraging men to discuss the topic with their partners and friends.
“People should be careful of fake products and they should purchase the pills only from pharmacies in the Kingdom on their prescription,” said Dr. Ashraf Radwan, the Jeddah-based Viagra product manager of Pfizer Corporation. He added that counterfeit products can be cheaper but are injurious to health.
