Global Reform Urged for Fertility Care: WHO

WHO Urges Global Reform for Fertility Care

Why in the News ?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its first-ever global guideline on infertility, urging countries to make fertility care safer, fairer, and more affordable. The guideline outlines prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and financial protection measures to ensure universal, equitable fertility services.

Global Reform Urged for Fertility Care: WHO

Key Features of WHO’s New Global Fertility Guideline:

  • The WHO guideline presents 40 recommendations covering prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infertility, aiming to strengthen global reproductive health systems.
  • It promotes cost-effective clinical options, encouraging countries to integrate fertility care into national health policies, financing systems, and public health services.
  • The document highlights major infertility risk factors such as untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and tobacco use, urging stronger public health interventions.
  • Lifestyle recommendations, including healthy diet, physical activity, and tobacco cessation, are advised for couples planning pregnancy.
  • Early and accurate fertility awareness through education can help individuals make informed reproductive decisions.

Global Barriers and Challenges in Accessing Fertility Care

  • Despite rising global demand, access to infertility services remains extremely limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
  • In many settings, infertility tests and treatments are funded entirely out-of-pocket, leading to catastrophic expenditure for families.
  • A single cycle of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can cost double the average annual household income in some countries, worsening inequity.
  • The guidelines recommend scaling up primary healthcare interventions, awareness efforts in schools, and improved service delivery at reproductive health facilities.
  • Recognizing emotional and psychological distress, WHO stresses ensuring psychosocial support, as infertility can cause anxiety, depression, and social stigma.

Understanding WHO and Fertility Policies:

●     The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised UN agency responsible for global public health, issuing evidence-based norms and standards.

●     WHO’s guideline aligns with global goals such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

●     Integrating fertility care into national programmes can reduce health inequity, expand reproductive rights, and strengthen public health systems.

●     Countries are advised to adapt and monitor the guideline as per national needs, reinforcing evidence-based policymaking.