Experts Advocate Inclusion Of Fertility Treatment Under Health Insurance

Fertility Support Group Africa, an online community network, has called for the inclusion of treatment for Persons Trying to Conceive (TTC) under national health insurance coverage.

The group made the call in Abuja during its fifth anniversary and celebration of 16 days activism on Gender Based Violence (GBV).

The theme of the event is, “Unite Against Stigmatisation of TTC Moms.”

Hajiya Saratu Kassim, Chief Executive Officer, Fertility Support Awareness and Aid Initiative, said the National Health Insurance Authority should accommodate women trying to conceive and undergoing fertility treatment.

Kassim urged government to provide awareness on fertility issues by educating young girls and gather data to tackle the problem of infertility.

According to her, there is also the need for reproductive health education, so that girls would know when they are most fertile is the time they may likely get pregnant.

Kassim said there should also be concerted efforts to gather data on fertility issues for effective planning.

The CEO expressed concern over the continued torture women go through from the society, in-laws and family members due to their inability to conceive.

On his part, Dr Rais Ibrahim, a Gynaecologist specialist at the National Hospital, urged government to enlighten people with infertility issues to seek for medical help.

He said infertility is caused by certain factors and a problem for both male and female.

Similarly, Dr Chris Danga, a Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis expert decried the alarming prevalence of infertility in Nigeria.

Danga attributed the prevalence to lifestyle issues bordering on the mindset, toxins in the environment and other factors.

Rabiat Jibril, a participant and a TTC, urged women to seek safe spaces where they can unburden and learn how to go about their normal life while trying to conceive.

Jibril said those trying to conceive deserve empathy not stigmatisation, so as to reduce their anxiety and stress.