Infertility is emerging as a growing global health concern, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 180 million people worldwide are affected.
In Kenya, health experts say the crisis is deepening, with reports showing that about two in every 10 couples are struggling to conceive and require medical intervention to have children.
Despite the rising demand for fertility treatment, specialists say millions of Kenyans are unable to access the services due to the high cost of treatment and the limited number of specialised fertility centres in the country.
The concerns were raised during a Reproductive Health Symposium held in Meru and organised by Fertility Point, where doctors and reproductive health experts urged the government to subsidise fertility treatment and partner with private healthcare providers to improve access.
Speaking during the symposium, Fertility Point Chief Operating Officer Dr Swapnil Shastri said infertility affects one in every six couples globally, with Kenya experiencing a similar trend.
He attributed the growing cases to lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption and sexually transmitted infections, all of which negatively affect reproductive health.
Dr Shastri noted that advanced fertility procedures such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), genetic testing and specialised patient evaluation remain out of reach for many families because of the high cost involved.
“Apart from accessibility, affordability is another major challenge. Some patients spend more than Sh100,000 on transport and accommodation while seeking treatment in Nairobi,” said Dr Shastri.
He explained that most fertility centres are concentrated in major towns such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, making it difficult for patients from rural areas to access the services.
To ease the burden on patients, Fertility Point has partnered with insurance companies to provide partial or full medical cover for fertility treatment, while some patients are allowed to pay in instalments.
Gynaecologist and fertility specialist Dr Nganga Maguzu said infertility cases are also being driven by genetic factors, in addition to lifestyle habits and infections.
“There are families that inherit genes associated with infertility, and this can affect both men and women,” said Dr Maguzu.
He called on the government to introduce funding and subsidies for fertility treatment to ensure lower-income Kenyans are not excluded from accessing reproductive healthcare services.
“My appeal to the government is to support and finance fertility treatment because infertility is becoming a major global challenge. Every Kenyan deserves an equal opportunity to access treatment and start a family,” he added.
Meru County Health Executive Dr Dennis Mugambi acknowledged the growing demand for fertility services in Meru and the larger Eastern region, saying collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers would help improve access to modern fertility treatment.
“Modern medicine has introduced interventions capable of helping childless couples conceive and have children,” said Dr Mugambi.
