THE consumption of aphrodisiacs (sex enhancement pills) is on the increase in Harare, posing serious health risk to consumers, Zim Morning Post has learnt.
A survey conducted by this publication through a series of interviews with peddlers in the capital, established that young men in their early twenties top the list of buyers.
“Most of our clients are young men who have several girlfriends and are under intense pressure to satisfy them sexually.
“Some of them date cougars (older women) for financial benefits,” explained a drug peddler who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Truck drivers also form part of the majority of consumers.
According to a latest report titled: “Analysis of the causes and patterns of high risk heterosexual behaviours among long distance drivers in Zimbabwe,” about 31 percent of the long-haul truck drivers reported the use of sexual enhancement substances (SES).
The report was compiled by the National Employment Council for the Transport Operating Industry (NECTOI) in partnership with Zimbabwe National Council for the Welfare of Children (ZNCWC), Zimbabwe Aids Prevention and Support Organisation (ZACRO) and Proggession Zimbabwe.
Fiona Mwashita, head of Progression’s Southern Africa sub-regional office, said a high number of truck drivers acknowledged the use of drugs to boost their sexual performance.
“The research revealed that truck drivers are using these drugs to enhance their performance when they engage in sexual activities with commercial sex workers. Some of them said they did not need to use condoms after taking these drugs,” she said.
The common SES mentioned in the report are Congo Dust, Gonazororo and Enzoy.
Gonazororo is extracted from the baobab fruit (Malambe) and Enzoy is an energy power drink sold in small bags, which can be bought in bars and lodges along the transport corridors especially Bulawayo-Victoria Falls and Chirundu-Harare corridors.
Congo dust is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gonazororo is found from vendors in Harare.
The report also revealed that 7,6 percent of the truck drivers do not use condoms after taking the sexual enhancers while 79 percent said they used condoms after taking SES.
Furthermore, the report identified that while driving, some long distance truck drivers may take stimulants and other mind-altering drugs to keep them energised.
The truck drivers, as stated in the report, have attributed this behaviour of drug use to the poor working conditions which require them to stay awake to drive long distances.
Health experts warn that misusing sex drugs can cause serious side effects, including heart problems, and loss of sexual ability for good.
They say abusers can suffer a condition called priapism, a persistent painful erection that lasts for hours, damaging the muscles of the penis.
Researchers said “herbal products” are being marketed aggressively as “potent” solutions to boost sexual stamina and eliminate dysfunctions.
“The dangers of using sexual enhancement substances may include getting hooked to the drugs. This means that every time one desires to have sex, they ought to have the drugs and this is not good,” said a local medical practitioner who preferred anonymity.
According to the report long distance truck drivers are vulnerable to HIV due to their high interaction with commercial sex workers.
In interview with commerical sex workers in Harare’s red light district, commerical sex workers said that there are not happy with the consumption of the aphrodisiacs because it is killing their business.
“Some of the men who are coming here taking the pills are killing our business because the duration of the activities goes long, we need to push volumes”said a commerical sex worker who identified herself as Liz.
“The young men coming here for services leave ufs with bruises,government must ban those pills,”added Liz.