Setting Up and Running a Successful IVF Program in Africa: Prospects and Challenges

Abstract

Infertility is a serious problem in Africa with devastating social, cultural, emotional, economic, and medical consequences for affected couples [1, 2]. Even though the exact burden of subfertility in the region is not known, it is generally estimated to be about 15–20 % [3]. The causes of subfertility in this region include both male and female factors. However, in a region were sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are very common, tubal blockage remains the commonest female factor cause of infertility [1]. Globally, there is evidence of worsening semen parameters in all regions.

Subfertility from both tubal blockage and suboptimal semen parameters can potentially be effectively treated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), respectively [4]. The need therefore for efficient IVF services in the African region cannot be overemphasized.

Setting up and running such a highly specialized service in a region with serious infrastructural challenges coupled with low levels of income is a daunting task. This review seeks to highlight some of these challenges in running a successful IVF program in African and indeed other low-resource settings.