WHO says infertility care should be included in national health services

The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted infertility as a critical yet often neglected public health issue, emphasizing that affordable treatments should be integrated into national healthcare systems. This statement was made on Friday alongside the release of WHOs first set of guidelines on infertility.

According to WHO estimates, infertility affects over one in six people of reproductive age at some stage in their lives. Despite its prevalence, access to care varies widely between countries and is often limited. In many places, patients must cover treatment costs themselves, sometimes resulting in severe financial strain. In certain nations, the cost of a single in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle can exceed double the average annual household income.

Infertility represents one of the most overlooked public health concerns today and poses a major global equity challenge, stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. He noted that millions of men and women confront infertility in isolation, facing tough choices between pursuing parenthood and maintaining financial stability, or turning to unproven, lower-cost therapies.

WHO defines infertility as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or longer of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Treatments extend beyond IVF and include a range of measures within primary healthcare, such as lifestyle guidancelike quitting smokingto support couples or individuals trying to conceive.

The newly released guideline provides 40 recommendations aimed at making fertility care safer, more equitable, and more accessible worldwide. It addresses male, female, and unexplained infertility. Additionally, WHO stresses the importance of education on factors influencing fertility, such as age, and the need for emotional support for those experiencing social stigma or the psychological strain of treatment.

Author’s Analysis: Infertility as a Global Health Priority

The WHO’s recent release of its first infertility guidelines underscores a significant gap in global healthcare. Infertility affects over one in six people of reproductive age, yet access to treatment remains uneven and often prohibitively expensive. The organization’s emphasis on integrating affordable care into national systems highlights the urgent need for policy action.

Financial barriers are a central concern. In many countries, patients bear the full cost of treatments such as IVF, which can exceed twice the average annual household income. This economic burden forces individuals to make difficult decisions between pursuing parenthood and maintaining financial stability, or seeking less reliable alternatives.

The WHO guidelines provide 40 evidence-based recommendations to improve fertility care worldwide. They address not only clinical treatments for male, female, and unexplained infertility but also preventive and supportive measures, including lifestyle interventions and psychological support. Education on fertility factors and stigma reduction are also prioritized.

This initiative signals a shift in recognizing infertility as a public health priority and a matter of global equity. Implementation of these guidelines could reduce disparities in care and improve outcomes for millions affected by infertility.

Sources:

• Overlooked infertility care should be part of national health services, says WHO