In low-resource settings such as Nigeria,
accessing basic assisted reproductive technology treatments can be challenging
or impossible for many couples who want to conceive. Many fear the negative
consequences of childlessness resulting from societal pressure.
Couples who cannot conceive often experience emotional
and psychological trauma. Sadly, societal norms dictate that the woman is
the cause
of the infertility, ignoring male infertility. Infertility comes at a high
price financially, emotionally and physically for many couples in Nigeria.
The prevalence
of infertility is generally higher in sub-Saharan Africa compared to most
other regions. Given the poverty that exists in Nigeria, where 92.4%
of the population live on less than 2 USD a day, the high cost of
infertility treatments is associated with a significant risk of catastrophic
health expenditure. For example, tubal disease, which is the most
common cause of infertility in Nigeria, is best treated with in-vitro
fertilization (IVF), and one cycle of IVF in Nigeria costs an average of 3,289
USD. This out-of-pocket payment has the potential to create
or exacerbate poverty.
Evidence suggests that many
women discontinue treatment for financial reasons. In desperation, some
have sought cheaper care from traditional healers such as “mamas
that rub.” Mamas that rub are generally untrained providers who use herbal
medicines and abdominal massage, a technique that is not supported by
scientific evidence for infertility treatment, exploiting
and deceiving their patients. Read more here
News credit : Maternal health task force
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