Improve maternal care, mental health to address infertility —Health experts

 Health experts have called for urgent public education, im­proved maternal care and men­tal health support to help address the medical and social impact of infertility.

Speaking at a health media training programme organised by the Mer­ck Foundation last week in Dubai, leading specialists from across the continent called for urgent action to fight cultural stigma, improve ac­cess to reproductive healthcare, and normalise open conversations around infertility.

Dr Edem K. Hiadzi, a renowned ob­stetrician and gynaecologist with the Lister Hospital in Accra, highlighted reproductive tract infections as one of the major causes of infertility in women across sub-Saharan Africa.

He explained that these infections often result from Sexually Transmit­ted Infections (STIs), unsafe abortion practices, and post-delivery infec­tions, which are frequently linked to untrained birth attendants or tradi­tional healers.

“Infections acquired during un­sterile procedures such as unsafe abortions or poorly managed deliv­eries can lead to tubal blockage and adhesions,” Dr Hiadzi said.

“Asherman’s syndrome, caused by excessive scraping of the uterine lining during dilation and curettage (D&C), is another major contributor. These are preventable conditions, yet they continue to rob many women of the ability to conceive.”

He expressed concern that a signif­icant number of women in rural and underserved communities still deliver outside professional health facilities, increasing their risk of infections that lead to long-term complications.

“We cannot ignore the role of un­skilled birth practices in perpetuating infertility. Prolonged and obstruct­ed labour, for instance, can lead to pelvic infections, tubal damage, and obstetric fistula-some of the most devastating outcomes for any wom­an,” he added.

Dr Hiadzi stressed that infertility, particularly among women, is often misunderstood and leads to severe social consequences.

Supporting his call for action, Dr Francisca Bwalya, a consultant psychiatrist and Zambia’s National Mental Health Coordinator, highlight­ed the psychological trauma many women endure due to infertility.

Dr Bwalya warned that the emo­tional burden can lead to anxiety, depression, and long-lasting mental health challenges.

She called for community-based education campaigns to address behavioural practices and promote safer reproductive choices.

Dr David Mwesigye, a fertility specialist based in Kigali, Rwanda, emphasised the importance of early medical intervention.

He explained that while men can remain fertile well into old age, women’s fertility significantly de­clines after the age of 35.

 By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu