Table II.

— Global access to infertility care in Africa: facts, views and vision. (ART = Assisted Reproductive Technologies, STDs = Sexually Transmitted Diseases, OHSS = Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, NGOs = Non-Governmental Organisations

FACTS
Prevalence of infertility: similar to Western countries
Negative consequences of childlessness are much stronger
Prevention and alternative methods are not always successful
↑ secondary infertility due to STDs and unsafe abortions / deliveries
HIV and infertility: ↑ prevalence of HIV in infertile couples
HIV and infertility: very different in how the issue has been treated by the international community
Access to IVF in Africa: less than 1.5 %
Arguments contra global access to infertility care
	Overpopulation
	Limited resources
	Problem of funding: “the battle for money’ between initiatives on reproductive health care
Arguments pro global access to infertility care
	↑ Demand from developing countries
	ART techniques can be simplified
	Social justice and equity
VIEWS
A need for ↑ reproductive health care education
A need for ↑ prevention programmes
Raising awareness: support of media and patients networks needed
Implementation of more and accessible infertility centres → Urgent need for simplified, safe and effective methods (diagnostic procedures and ART)
Prevention of complications is crucial: OHSS, multiple pregnancies
Facilities to handle complications have to be available, including facilities for surgery
VISION
Simplified methods of infertility care will be available in the near future
The demand from Africa to introduce ART will increase
The implementation of accessible infertility centres should be part of an integrated reproductive care programme including family planning and contraception, mother care and reproductive health.
Foundations, NGOs and international societies have to be convinced about the value of this project