BY TEWODROS KASSA
The introduction of latest technologies and the advancement of the health sectors worldwide enable to cure numerous health problems. During the ancient times, peoples across the world had been struggling with various health problems that caused unceasing health, social, and psychological problems. This includes infertility problem among couples. In the past, the problem of infertility led numerous couples to divorce and psycho-social problems.
The WHO’s report regarding infertility indicated that more attention should be given to the infertility problem. The new report published on April 03, 2023 by WHO proved that a large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime. Accordingly, around 17.5 percent of the adult population roughly 1 in 6 worldwide experienced infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need. Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It can cause significant distress, stigma, and financial hardship, affecting people’s mental and psychosocial well-being.
At present, in most countries, fertility treatments are largely funded out of pocket often resulting in devastating financial costs. People in the poorest countries spend a greater proportion of their income on fertility care compared to people in wealthier countries. High costs frequently prevent people from accessing infertility treatments or alternatively, can catapult them into poverty as a consequence of seeking care. Recently, the Turkiye senior gynecologists at the prominent Acibadem Hospital shared their experiences in infertility treatment to more than 70 Ethiopian gynecologists both in person and online to improve the treatment services being provided to the Ethiopian society. They also expressed their readiness to provide various support treatment options towards the advancement of infertility treatment in Ethiopia. On the occasion, Turkiye Gynecologist at Acibadem Hospital Prof. Cem Demirel (MD) said that the advancement of infertility treatment technology immensely contributes to relieving the psychosocial stress of numerous couples.
“In the past, infertility treatment was unaffordable. However, the introduction of new technologies and other options enable those in need of a child to achieve their dream.” As to him, infertility treatment has now become more successful. St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and Ethiopian Gynecologists Association Member Hassen Hussien (MD) told The Ethiopian Herald that the experience sharing platform helps to boost Ethiopian health professionals’ experience to provide effective infertility treatment services to Ethiopians.
Referring to WHO’s study that one in six persons are exposed to infertility globally, he said, to this end, early infertility treatment is advised for couples to become successful. “Infertility exposes couples to various psychological problems and should be given due attention in Ethiopia.” Moreover, couples should be free and be aware of the available infertility treatments; rather than being frustrated with their infertility problem, he noted. Since the inception of the infertility treatment service before five years, more than 3,000 couples have accessed the service in Ethiopia. 10 to 15 percent of Ethiopians are exposed to infertility problem.
Getwell Medical Travel and Consultancy Service Founder and CEO Begashaw Bayleyegne (MD) said that most Ethiopian couples have been exploring state of the art health service regarding infertility problem. The company will work further to integrate overseas experienced health professionals with local health professionals to provide advanced health services for the Ethiopian society. The experience sharing platform is fundamental to diversify health service access to the client.
According to him, the society should give due priority to the earlier treatment of infertility and other sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, open consultation among clients and health professionals is important to deliver accurate service. The Acibadem Hospital has opened its branch office in Ethiopia aspiring to facilitate health services for the larger Ethiopian community. Thus, sharing other country’s experience helps Ethiopian professionals to provide affordable services to those who are facing infertility challenges, he said.
Accordingly, the Getwell Medical Travel is working to widen the experience of Ethiopian professionals through creating successive experience sharing platforms with health professionals of different countries like Turkiye, India, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE and others, he stressed. In sum, despite the magnitude of the issue, solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility including assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) remain underfunded and inaccessible to many due to high costs, social stigma and limited availability.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, including the United Nations’ Special Program of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP). “Better policies and public financing can significantly improve access to treatment and protect poorer households from falling into poverty as a result.”
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 13 MAY 2023
