Dying for desire: Hidden cost of sexual performance drugs

By Brenda Kayo: It begins with a promise; a promise of renewed energy, youthful stamina and that of instant satisfaction for a partner. A promise sold in small packets, colourful bottles and unmarked capsules displayed openly in pharmacies, grocery stores, markets and roadside stalls. For many men, particularly those advancing in age, the promise seems tempting. However, for a growing number of Malawian families, the promise has ended in tragedy. Across the country, men are collapsing and dying in lodges, rest houses and private homes after allegedly consuming sex-enhancing drugs and stimulants. What was once whispered about behind closed doors has become a worrying public health issue that is drawing concern from health experts, regulators and law enforcement authorities. Police records indicate that approximately 42 people died suddenly between January and June this year, with some cases suspected to be linked to the use of sexual performance-enhancing drugs. Behind each statistic is a life lost, a family shattered and questions that may never be fully answered. In Dowa District, 48-year-old Bernardo Khinda Chilichawo checked into a lodge with his 21-year-old 'partner'. According to Dowa Police Station spokesperson Alice Sitima, the couple intended to spend time together in privacy. Before entering the room, Chilichawo reportedly bought two bottles of a drink that is believed to increase sexual performance. "Everything appeared normal at first," Sitima narrates, "the first bottle seemed to produce the desired effect. But after consuming the second bottle and engaging in sexual activity, tragedy struck." He suddenly collapsed, according to police records. "Panic filled the room as efforts were made to rush him to hospital. Medical personnel fought to save him, but it was too late," Sitima said. Doctors later determined that he suffered from heart disease and high blood pressure, conditions that are believed to have contributed to his death after taking the stimulants. For relatives and friends, what should have been an ordinary day ended in funeral preparations. His death became another entry in a growing list of men who never returned home after seeking to enhance their sexual performance. The third round that never happened Hundreds of kilometres away in Blantyre, another family received devastating news. Businessman White Sani, aged 48, had booked a room at Katekete Rest House with his partner. Blantyre Police Station assistant spokesperson Doris Mwitha reports that the couple had sexual intercourse and later rested. However, Sani allegedly consumed sex enhancing medication and attempted to engage in a third round of sexual activity. Moments later, he collapsed. His partner raised an alarm and lodge workers rushed into the room to assist. He was transported to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, but medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival. A postmortem revealed that he died from cardiac arrest, which investigators suspect may have been triggered by the drugs he had taken. The life of a man who was described as energetic and hardworking, wet in a matter of minutes, came to an abrupt end. The incident sparked conversations in communities across Blantyre about the increasing use of sexual stimulants among middle-age men. Another tragedy happened in a lodge room in Lumbadzi—and the story was strikingly similar. Blessings Nkhuwa, 30, checked into a lodge in Lumbadzi with a female companion. According to police reports prepared by Lumbadzi Police Station spokesperson Felix Kwinyani, the pair had gone there to spend private time together. However, shortly after they began intimate activity, the woman noticed that Nkhuwa was struggling to breathe. Concern quickly turned into fear. An employee at the lodge helped transport him to hospital, but doctors informed them that he had already died. "When investigators searched the room, they reportedly discovered packets of tablets, identified as Kirafu 50 and Kirafu 100, with one packet already opened. The discovery immediately raised suspicions," Kwinyani says. His body was transferred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for further examinations to establish the exact cause of death. MATEMBA—Many men choose a different path For many people, the case reinforced fears that easily accessible sexual enhancement products may be contributing to a growing number of sudden deaths among men. Health rights advocate Maziko Matemba says the problem is not simply about drugs. At its core lies a complex mix of ageing, masculinity, social expectations and silence. He says in many communities, sexual performance is often viewed as a measure of manhood. "Men are expected to remain sexually active regardless of age, health status or medical conditions. As they grow older, however, many men begin experiencing changes in sexual function. Some men may develop erectile dysfunction, reduced stamina or decreased libido. "Instead of seeking medical advice, many men choose a different path; they turn to quick fixes," Maziko explains. Street vendors, social media advertisements and word-of-mouth recommendations often promote products claiming to restore youthful sexual power instantly. Some products are marketed as natural herbs. Others are sold as medicines imported from unknown sources. Many users have little knowledge of what the products contain. Even more concerning is that some combine multiple products at the same time, believing that higher doses will produce stronger results. Medical experts warn that this practice can be deadly. Reproductive health specialist Zaziwe Gunda says that while some erectile dysfunction medications are medically approved and effective, they are not suitable for everyone. "The challenge is that many people self-medicate without proper medical assessment," Gunda explains. According to Gunda, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be the first sign of underlying illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. "The same conditions that affect blood flow to the heart can also affect blood flow to the reproductive organs. In some cases, erectile dysfunction is actually a warning sign of cardiovascular disease," Gunda points out. Gunda says taking sex-enhancing medication without knowing one's health status can place enormous strain on the heart. "When a person already has hypertension, diabetes or an undiagnosed heart condition, these drugs can increase risks significantly. In extreme situations, the result can be cardiac arrest, stroke or sudden death," Gunda says. GUNDA—In some cases, erectile dysfunction is a warning sign Gunda is also concerned about unregulated herbal products that flood the market. "Some products contain unknown substances. Others have dosage levels that have never been scientifically tested. Consumers often have no idea what they are putting into their bodies," Gunda says. The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has become increasingly worried. PMRA Director General Charles Chimenya warns medicine vendors and pharmacy operators against illegally selling sexual enhancement products. Chimenya says PMRA has received growing reports of deaths suspected to be associated with the misuse of such medicines. He reminds sellers that these products should only be dispensed according to established medical guidelines. "Failure to comply could result in regulatory action and prosecution," Chimenya warns. He says stronger enforcement is necessary because many products are being sold outside licensed pharmaceutical channels. "In some cases, products are sold by individuals with no medical training whatsoever," Chimenya observes. While statistics and investigations dominate headlines, the real impact is often felt in homes across the country. Every sudden death leaves behind grieving families. Children lose fathers, parents lose sons. Wives lose husbands, communities lose productive members. The emotional burden can be overwhelming, especially when the circumstances surrounding the deaths become public knowledge. In many instances, families must deal not only with grief but also with embarrassment, rumours and social stigma. People whisper and neighbours speculate. Friends ask uncomfortable questions. The pain becomes even harder to bear. JOBE—People need accurate information Malawi Health Equity Network Executive Director George Jobe believes the country must have honest conversations about sexual and reproductive health issues. He argues that the issue should not be treated as a source of ridicule. "People need accurate information and access to safe medical services," he says. Jobe believes stronger regulation is necessary to protect consumers from dangerous products while encouraging men to seek professional help when experiencing sexual health challenges. He says many men avoid hospitals because they feel embarrassed discussing sexual problems with healthcare workers. As a result, they turn to friends, social media and unqualified vendors for advice. Unfortunately, that advice can sometimes prove fatal. The recent deaths serve as a powerful reminder that sexual health is an important part of overall health. Experts say there is nothing shameful about seeking medical assistance for sexual difficulties. In fact, doing so could reveal underlying conditions that require urgent treatment. The answer, they argue, is not secrecy or self-medication; it is information, professional medical guidance and recognising that true strength is not measured by how many rounds a man can endure in a bedroom. As Malawi confronts a rise in deaths linked to sexual performance enhancers, health professionals hope more men will choose consultation over experimentation. For Bernardo Khinda Chilichawo, White Sani, Blessings Nkhuwa and dozens of others whose lives ended suddenly, that lesson arrived too late.

Times Malawi Times Malawi · Wire Report · Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:29:24 · 8 min read

Dying for desire: Hidden cost of sexual performance drugs

Image via wire syndication · Times Malawi

WIRE — By Brenda Kayo: It begins with a promise; a promise of renewed energy, youthful stamina and that of instant satisfaction for a partner. A promise sold in small packets, colourful bottles and unmarked capsules displayed openly in pharmacies, grocery stores, markets and roadside stalls. For many men, particularly those advancing in age, the promise seems tempting. However, for a growing number of Malawian families, the promise has ended in tragedy. Across the country, men are collapsing and dying in lodges, rest houses and private homes after allegedly consuming sex-enhancing drugs and stimulants. What was once whispered about behind closed doors has become a worrying public health issue that is drawing concern from health experts, regulators and law enforcement authorities. Police records indicate that approximately 42 people died suddenly between January and June this year, with some cases suspected to be linked to the use of sexual performance-enhancing drugs. Behind each statistic is a life lost, a family shattered and questions that may never be fully answered. In Dowa District, 48-year-old Bernardo Khinda Chilichawo checked into a lodge with his 21-year-old 'partner'. According to Dowa Police Station spokesperson Alice Sitima, the couple intended to spend time together in privacy. Before entering the room, Chilichawo reportedly bought two bottles of a drink that is believed to increase sexual performance. "Everything appeared normal at first," Sitima narrates, "the first bottle seemed to produce the desired effect. But after consuming the second bottle and engaging in sexual activity, tragedy struck." He suddenly collapsed, according to police records. "Panic filled the room as efforts were made to rush him to hospital. Medical personnel fought to save him, but it was too late," Sitima said. Doctors later determined that he suffered from heart disease and high blood pressure, conditions that are believed to have contributed to his death after taking the stimulants. For relatives and friends, what should have been an ordinary day ended in funeral preparations. His death became another entry in a growing list of men who never returned home after seeking to enhance their sexual performance. The third round that never happened Hundreds of kilometres away in Blantyre, another family received devastating news. Businessman White Sani, aged 48, had booked a room at Katekete Rest House with his partner. Blantyre Police Station assistant spokesperson Doris Mwitha reports that the couple had sexual intercourse and later rested. However, Sani allegedly consumed sex enhancing medication and attempted to engage in a third round of sexual activity. Moments later, he collapsed. His partner raised an alarm and lodge workers rushed into the room to assist. He was transported to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, but medical personnel pronounced him dead upon arrival. A postmortem revealed that he died from cardiac arrest, which investigators suspect may have been triggered by the drugs he had taken. The life of a man who was described as energetic and hardworking, wet in a matter of minutes, came to an abrupt end. The incident sparked conversations in communities across Blantyre about the increasing use of sexual stimulants among middle-age men. Another tragedy happened in a lodge room in Lumbadzi—and the story was strikingly similar. Blessings Nkhuwa, 30, checked into a lodge in Lumbadzi with a female companion. According to police reports prepared by Lumbadzi Police Station spokesperson Felix Kwinyani, the pair had gone there to spend private time together. However, shortly after they began intimate activity, the woman noticed that Nkhuwa was struggling to breathe. Concern quickly turned into fear. An employee at the lodge helped transport him to hospital, but doctors informed them that he had already died. "When investigators searched the room, they reportedly discovered packets of tablets, identified as Kirafu 50 and Kirafu 100, with one packet already opened. The discovery immediately raised suspicions," Kwinyani says. His body was transferred to Kamuzu Central Hospital for further examinations to establish the exact cause of death. MATEMBA—Many men choose a different path For many people, the case reinforced fears that easily accessible sexual enhancement products may be contributing to a growing number of sudden deaths among men. Health rights advocate Maziko Matemba says the problem is not simply about drugs. At its core lies a complex mix of ageing, masculinity, social expectations and silence. He says in many communities, sexual performance is often viewed as a measure of manhood. "Men are expected to remain sexually active regardless of age, health status or medical conditions. As they grow older, however, many men begin experiencing changes in sexual function. Some men may develop erectile dysfunction, reduced stamina or decreased libido. "Instead of seeking medical advice, many men choose a different path; they turn to quick fixes," Maziko explains. Street vendors, social media advertisements and word-of-mouth recommendations often promote products claiming to restore youthful sexual power instantly. Some products are marketed as natural herbs. Others are sold as medicines imported from unknown sources. Many users have little knowledge of what the products contain. Even more concerning is that some combine multiple products at the same time, believing that higher doses will produce stronger results. Medical experts warn that this practice can be deadly. Reproductive health specialist Zaziwe Gunda says that while some erectile dysfunction medications are medically approved and effective, they are not suitable for everyone. "The challenge is that many people self-medicate without proper medical assessment," Gunda explains. According to Gunda, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be the first sign of underlying illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension or diabetes. "The same conditions that affect blood flow to the heart can also affect blood flow to the reproductive organs. In some cases, erectile dysfunction is actually a warning sign of cardiovascular disease," Gunda points out. Gunda says taking sex-enhancing medication without knowing one's health status can place enormous strain on the heart. "When a person already has hypertension, diabetes or an undiagnosed heart condition, these drugs can increase risks significantly. In extreme situations, the result can be cardiac arrest, stroke or sudden death," Gunda says. GUNDA—In some cases, erectile dysfunction is a warning sign Gunda is also concerned about unregulated herbal products that flood the market. "Some products contain unknown substances. Others have dosage levels that have never been scientifically tested. Consumers often have no idea what they are putting into their bodies," Gunda says. The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has become increasingly worried. PMRA Director General Charles Chimenya warns medicine vendors and pharmacy operators against illegally selling sexual enhancement products. Chimenya says PMRA has received growing reports of deaths suspected to be associated with the misuse of such medicines. He reminds sellers that these products should only be dispensed according to established medical guidelines. "Failure to comply could result in regulatory action and prosecution," Chimenya warns. He says stronger enforcement is necessary because many products are being sold outside licensed pharmaceutical channels. "In some cases, products are sold by individuals with no medical training whatsoever," Chimenya observes. While statistics and investigations dominate headlines, the real impact is often felt in homes across the country. Every sudden death leaves behind grieving families. Children lose fathers, parents lose sons. Wives lose husbands, communities lose productive members. The emotional burden can be overwhelming, especially when the circumstances surrounding the deaths become public knowledge. In many instances, families must deal not only with grief but also with embarrassment, rumours and social stigma. People whisper and neighbours speculate. Friends ask uncomfortable questions. The pain becomes even harder to bear. JOBE—People need accurate information Malawi Health Equity Network Executive Director George Jobe believes the country must have honest conversations about sexual and reproductive health issues. He argues that the issue should not be treated as a source of ridicule. "People need accurate information and access to safe medical services," he says. Jobe believes stronger regulation is necessary to protect consumers from dangerous products while encouraging men to seek professional help when experiencing sexual health challenges. He says many men avoid hospitals because they feel embarrassed discussing sexual problems with healthcare workers. As a result, they turn to friends, social media and unqualified vendors for advice. Unfortunately, that advice can sometimes prove fatal. The recent deaths serve as a powerful reminder that sexual health is an important part of overall health. Experts say there is nothing shameful about seeking medical assistance for sexual difficulties. In fact, doing so could reveal underlying conditions that require urgent treatment. The answer, they argue, is not secrecy or self-medication; it is information, professional medical guidance and recognising that true strength is not measured by how many rounds a man can endure in a bedroom. As Malawi confronts a rise in deaths linked to sexual performance enhancers, health professionals hope more men will choose consultation over experimentation. For Bernardo Khinda Chilichawo, White Sani, Blessings Nkhuwa and dozens of others whose lives ended suddenly, that lesson arrived too late.

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