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| Mothers with their babies during the launch of FAAI in Lagos |
A PROFESSOR of Medical Microbiology, Professor Folasade
Ogunsola, has advocated for sustained research into the causes and cures of
infertility problems in Nigeria.
Ogunsola, who is the Provost, College of
Medicine, University of Lagos, CMUL, said it is necessary to keep researching
about ways of curbing infertility in order to make Invitro Fertilisation,
IVF, and other certified treatment approaches more affordable to couples faced
by the challenge.
“We have come a long way in infertility treatment, and we
need to continue to demystify (it) infertility, while also encouraging couples
that have benefited from the treatment procedures to come out and share their
stories,” she noted over the weekend, during the official launch of the
Fertility Awareness Advocate Initiative, FAAI, a non-profit support group,
aiming to help couples experiencing infertility challenges.
Recalling a
time at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, when there was no hope
for infertility treatment, Ogunsola said people that went to the clinic
at that time had no solution to their problems. “It was such a miserable time
and I was really moved. We felt that even if we could do the
O(Obstetrics), without the G (Gynaecology), it would not be enough. At the
infertility clinic (LUTH), the same people were there in year after year; there
was no solution.
“It is great that we are having solutions now and that those
that have availed themselves of the solutions are happy to talk about it so
that others can benefit. As you create awareness and counsel, I would also want
you to think about when this group is mature so that it will collaborate
with the universities to expand frontiers of knowledge through research as
alternate methods of finding out ways that we can reduce the burden and cost
of treatment.”
In a remark, the President, FAAI, Mr. Omoz Evborokhai, said the
group’s aims and objectives are to promote awareness of fertility treatment
options while offering counseling support to that undergoing fertility
treatment, and assisting in breaking the myths and misconceptions surrounding
infertility in Nigeria. “FAAI promotes enforcement of regulatory standards in
the treatment of infertility in Nigeria and collaboration with
organisations with similar objectives.
“Over time, we have discovered that
there is ignorance in the populace as to IVF treatment options and as a result
a number of couples grope in darkness and go through hell in seeking help. “We
at FAAI believe that people should get to know that there is hope at the end of
the tunnel and that they can have babies through legitimate processes.
“By
offering counseling support we let couples on the fertility journey know that
others have gone through this same route and achieved successes. We also share
our experiences which goes a long way to inspire them.” In the views of Medical
Director/CEO, Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos, Abuja & Asaba, Dr Abayomi
Ajayi:
“Having children is the ultimate goal for most married couples. At
Nordica, we discovered that most of our patients crave support and need to
be enlightened about Assisted Reproductive Treatment, ART.
“They also need to
hear the success stories of others in order to help them overcome their fears
and also unmask any negative perception they might have towards seeking fertility
treatments. The search for a solution gave birth to this support group called FAAI
that has the e goal to reach out to the public and enlighten them about ART.
