Khaberni - The World Health Organization stated on Friday, in its first guidelines concerning infertility, that this issue is considered a challenge that is ignored within public health, and it urged for the provision of affordable treatment within national health systems. The organization estimates that infertility affects more than one in six people of reproductive age at some point in their lives.
However, access to healthcare is very limited and varies significantly from country to country, and the organization noted that the costs of treatment are often borne by the person suffering from infertility, leading to significant financial expenses.
The organization added that in some countries, the cost of a single cycle of artificial insemination could be twice the average annual household income, and Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization, said in a statement: "Infertility is one of the most neglected public health challenges of our time, representing a major issue regarding global equality."
He said that millions of men and women face this condition alone, and they are forced to choose between having children and financial security, or are forced into cheaper but unverified treatment options.
According to the organization's definition, infertility is the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
The organization added that treatment is not limited to artificial insemination, but includes all steps that primary healthcare workers can take to help couples or individuals have a child, including lifestyle change guidance such as quitting smoking.
The guidelines include 40 recommendations for countries aimed at making fertility care safer, fairer, and more affordable for everyone, in addition to these steps.
The organization stated that improving efforts to educate about factors affecting fertility, such as age, is also important alongside providing support for those facing social stigma and pressures resulting from treatment.
