One in six people in the world suffers from infertility, estimates a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) published today.
The report was based on data from more than 100 studies on the prevalence of infertility on a global and regional scale, between 1990 and 2021.
Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system that results in the inability to achieve a pregnancy after a year or more of unprotected intercourse.
According to the director general of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, quoted in a statement, “the proportion of people affected” in the world by infertility reveals “the need to expand access to fertility treatments and ensure that the issue no longer stay out of it.” in health research and policy.
“So that those who seek it have safe, effective and accessible ways to obtain paternity,” he stressed.
The report highlights that the prevalence of infertility reaches both rich and poor countries without major variations.
However, people in poorer countries spend a higher proportion of their income on fertility treatment than in richer countries.
“Millions of people face catastrophic health costs after seeking infertility treatment,” warned WHO Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health Research, Pascale Allotey, considering that “better policies and public funding can significantly improve access to treatments and protect the poorest”. families”.
The WHO notes that high costs often prevent people from accessing treatment or leave them impoverished.
In a separate study published in the WHO-funded journal Human Reproduction Open, researchers found that the medical costs paid by patients in low- and middle-income countries for IVF treatment are often higher than what they earn in average per year.
Source: TSF
