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, Jonathan Van Blerkom, Gerhard Boshoff, Carin Huyser, Federica Lopes, Geeta Nargund, Hassan Sallam, Koen Vanmechelen, Rudi CampoAbstract
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 (LMICs), specialised 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 assisted reproductive technologies (ART) will depend on our ability to optimise 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.