Medical experts and key stakeholders have expressed deep concern over the rising rate of infertility in Nigeria, particularly among men, calling for urgent government intervention and greater public awareness.
The alarm was raised at the 7th edition of the Parah Fertility Conference, held in Lagos over the weekend, with the theme: “Fertility Puzzle: Unlocking Your Path to Parenthood.”
The event brought together fertility specialists, psychologists, and advocates to address the growing challenges facing couples struggling to conceive.
Dr. Lateef Akinola, Medical Director of Medison Women Fertility Centre and lead speaker at the conference, described the increasing cases of infertility in the country as alarming.
Speaking on the topic “Understanding the Root Causes of Infertility in Male and Female,” he emphasized the need for stronger collaborations between government and private stakeholders to improve access to fertility treatments.
“Gone are the days when infertility was seen as a woman’s issue. Today, more cases of infertility are being traced to male factors, and it’s time for society to acknowledge this shift,” Akinola said.
He encouraged couples to explore all available medical options rather than relying solely on prayer and fasting, stressing that there is no difference between a child conceived through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and one conceived naturally.
He also urged men to be more supportive of their partners during the trying period of infertility.
Dr. Kemi Ailoje, CEO of Lifeline Fertility Clinic, spoke on “Failed Cycle/Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: Causes and Solutions,” advising couples to manage stress and anxiety and to remain spiritually grounded during their fertility journey.
“There’s nothing impossible for God to do,” she said, while also offering practical medical insights into treatment options.
Addressing alternative reproductive methods, Mrs. Oluwakemi Amao, CEO of Chemistry Health Solution, gave an in-depth presentation on surrogacy.
Her talk, titled “Understanding the Process, Legalities, Costs, and Emotional Aspects of Surrogacy,” aimed to demystify the process and present it as a viable path to parenthood for couples facing complex infertility issues.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Leonard Okonkwo emphasized the importance of emotional and psychological resilience, urging couples to hold on to hope and faith amid their struggles.
In her welcome address, Princess Dayo Odukoya, convener of the Parah Family Foundation, reflected on the conference’s seven-year journey.
“This initiative was born out of a deep burden to support couples facing the silent struggle of infertility. Through tears, challenges, and triumphs, we’ve built a sacred community where stigma is broken, voices are heard, and healing takes root,”she said.
Betty Irabor, a Nigerian columnist and publisher of Genevieve Magazine who was the special guest at the conference also shared her experience on infertility, urged couple experiencing infertility to always work as a team. While at the end of the conference two couples were given free IVF treatment.
