According to the latest WHO infertility report, infertility now affects 1 in 6 people of reproductive age, marking it as one of the world’s most urgent yet under-addressed health issues. The World Health Organization’s newly released guideline aims to help countries improve access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment—especially where fertility care remains out of reach.
In many parts of the world, including the Philippines, individuals still face high out-of-pocket costs for fertility tests and treatments. In some countries, the WHO notes that a single IVF cycle can cost twice the average household’s annual income, pushing hopeful parents into financial strain.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that infertility is both a public health challenge and an equity issue, as millions navigate the emotional, social, and financial burdens alone. Many are forced to choose between medical treatment and financial stability.
The new guideline includes 40 evidence-based recommendations, covering diagnostic pathways, counseling, lifestyle approaches, and treatments such as intrauterine insemination and IVF. It also encourages healthier lifestyle habits—including proper nutrition, regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco—as important foundations for reproductive health.
Beyond medical care, the WHO stresses the need for psychosocial support, helping individuals handle stigma, stress, and the emotional impact of infertility.
As Pascale Allotey of WHO notes, fertility care must uphold gender equality and reproductive rights, ensuring that everyone—regardless of economic background—has the opportunity to build a family.
Sources
- Philippine News Agency (PNA)
- Anadolu Agency
- World Health Organization
- CDC
- The Lancet
