A new report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals that infertility affects approximately 17.5% of the global adult population—about 1 in 6 people. This highlights the urgent need to make affordable, high-quality fertility care more accessible to those in need.
The report shows that infertility rates are similar across all income levels, with high-, middle-, and low-income countries showing comparable prevalence. In high-income countries, the lifetime rate is 17.8%, while in low- and middle-income countries, it’s 16.5%. This demonstrates that infertility is a widespread health issue, affecting people regardless of their economic background.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, stated, “The report reveals an important truth: infertility does not discriminate.” He emphasized that the high number of people affected underscores the need to expand access to fertility care. This issue should not be ignored in health research or policy, and safe, effective, and affordable options must be available for anyone wanting to become a parent.
Infertility is defined as the inability to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It can cause significant emotional, social, and financial distress, often leading to mental health challenges for those affected.
Despite the scale of the problem, many solutions—such as assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF)—remain underfunded and out of reach for many due to high costs, social stigma, and limited availability. In most countries, fertility treatments are paid for out of pocket, placing a heavy financial burden on individuals and families. People in poorer countries spend a much larger portion of their income on fertility treatments compared to those in wealthier nations. This often prevents access to necessary treatments and can drive individuals into poverty as a result.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, WHO’s Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, emphasized the equity challenge posed by infertility, stating, “Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs after seeking treatment for infertility, making this a major equity issue and all too often, a medical poverty trap.” She called for better policies and public financing to improve access to treatments and prevent poorer households from falling into financial hardship.
The report also notes a significant gap in data on infertility, with many countries and regions lacking the necessary information. It calls for more national data on infertility, broken down by age and cause, to better understand who needs care and how to reduce risks.
In conclusion, infertility is a global health challenge that affects millions of people and requires immediate attention. Expanding access to affordable and effective treatments, along with improving data collection, can help address this issue and ensure that no one is left behind in their journey to parenthood.
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