Now is the time to introduce new innovative assisted reproduction methods to implement accessible, affordable, and demonstrably successful advanced infertility services in resource-poor countries

Willem Ombelet (Lead / Corresponding author), Jonathan Van Blerkom, Gerhard Boshoff, Carin Huyser, Federica Lopes, Geeta Nargund, Hassan Sallam, Koen Vanmechelen, Rudi Campo

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

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Abstract

Nearly 200 million people worldwide suffer from infertility. Disparities exist between developed and developing countries due to differences in the availability of infertility care, different reimbursement policies and socio-cultural differences surrounding procreation. In low- and middle-income countries, specialized infertility centres are either scarce or non-existent, mostly in private settings, and accessible only to the fortunate few who can afford them. The success and sustainability of ARTs will depend on our ability to optimize these techniques in terms of availability, affordability, and effectiveness. A low-cost, simplified IVF system has been developed and shown to be safe, cost-effective, and widely applicable to low-resource settings. Combined with inexpensive mild ovarian stimulation protocols, this could become a truly effective means of treating infertility and performing assisted reproduction at affordable prices, but only if such programmes are sincerely desired and supported by all relevant stakeholders. A receptive political, governmental, and clinical community is essential.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberhoaf001
Number of pages9
JournalHuman Reproduction Open
Volume2025
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jan 2025

Keywords

  • accessible
  • affordable
  • assisted reproduction
  • infertility care
  • LMICs
  • low- and middle-income countries
  • simplified IVF

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Embryology

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