A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Lagos, Prof. Christian Makwe, has called on the government to reduce the cost of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) so that more Nigerians can afford fertility treatment.
Speaking at the 20th Annual Scientific Conference of the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Makwe also urged the government to create clear laws and regulations to guide all forms of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).
He said fertility care should be part of regular reproductive health services and included in the National Health Insurance Scheme to protect couples from spending too much money out of pocket.
The conference, themed “Women’s Reproductive Health: Navigating the Labyrinth with Silent Heroes,” focused on improving teamwork among healthcare workers to make fertility care more effective.
Prof. Makwe encouraged doctors and nurses to keep learning about new fertility treatments and to educate patients about sexual and reproductive health.
He also advised them to avoid unnecessary surgeries, follow proper hygiene during childbirth, and use antibiotics only when necessary.
To couples, he advised healthy living, safe sex practices, early testing for sexually transmitted infections, and avoiding unsafe abortions to help prevent infertility.
Dr. Rufus Ojewola, Chairman of the Scientific Sub-Committee, said infertility is often ignored in health discussions.
He explained that both men and women are equally responsible for infertility, adding that new reproductive technologies can help affected couples.
Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, Dean of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences, said women’s health is a top priority because a healthy child depends on a healthy mother.
He noted that infertility can often be treated successfully if people seek help early.