WHO Calls on Countries to Make Fertility Care Affordable and Accessible

Global Health Alert: Infertility A Growing Crisis

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged all countries — including India — to make fertility care safer, fairer, and more affordable. The call follows WHO’s first global guideline on preventing, diagnosing, and treating infertility, released on Friday.

Infertility Affecting Millions Worldwide

According to WHO, 1 in 6 adults of reproductive age faces infertility. But access to proper care remains limited, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Most treatments, including IVF, require out-of-pocket payments, making them unaffordable for many families. In countries like India, a single IVF cycle can cost more than a family’s yearly income, pushing couples toward unsafe or unproven treatments.

“Infertility Is One of the Most Overlooked Public Health Challenges”

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned that millions of people are unable to access treatment or are forced to choose between medical care and financial stability.
He emphasised the need for fair access, better regulation, and financial protection for couples seeking fertility support.

40 Key Recommendations for Better Fertility Care

The new global guideline contains 40 recommendations focusing on:

• Early and accurate diagnosis

• Affordable and effective treatment pathways

• Integration of fertility services into national health systems

• Prevention through lifestyle awareness and reproductive health education

WHO highlights the importance of reducing risks such as:

• Untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Age-related fertility decline

• Smoking and poor lifestyle habits

Emotional and Mental Health Support Is Essential

The guideline also stresses the mental and emotional strain linked to infertility. Many individuals face stress, depression, anxiety, stigma, and social isolation.
WHO recommends that psychosocial support be included as a standard part of fertility care.

Countries Urged to Strengthen Policies and Insurance Coverage

WHO has called on governments to:

• Adapt the guidelines to local needs

• Expand insurance coverage and public funding

• Protect reproductive rights and gender equality

• Ensure ethical, rights-based reproductive health services

Dr. Pascale Allotey of WHO’s reproductive health department said fertility services must be grounded in gender equality, reproductive rights, and unbiased medical care.

Future Guidelines Will Cover New Areas

Upcoming updates will look into:

• Fertility preservation

• Third-party reproduction (donor services, surrogacy)

• Impact of medical conditions on fertility treatments