Breaking Barriers: WHO's Call for Accessible Infertility Treatment

The World Health Organization issues its first guidelines on infertility, urging for accessible treatment within national health systems. With 1 in 6 people globally affected, the WHO highlights disparities in care and financial burdens, advocating for fairer, safer, and more affordable options for all.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its inaugural guidelines on infertility, calling for accessible and affordable treatments to be integrated into national health systems. According to WHO, over one in six people of reproductive age experience infertility, a situation exacerbated by severe disparities in access to care across different countries.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that infertility is not only a significant public health issue but also a major global equity concern. The high costs associated with in vitro fertilization, often exceeding average annual incomes, push many individuals to face an agonizing choice between financial stability and parenthood.

The guidelines advocate for a comprehensive approach to infertility treatment, beyond in vitro fertilization, including lifestyle interventions and educational efforts to address factors like age. WHO's 40 recommendations aim to alleviate stigma and stress, ensuring fairer and more equitable fertility care worldwide.

(With inputs from agencies.)