Lagos hospital seeks regulation of IVF

The Bridge Clinic, Lagos, has called for regulation of In vitro fertilisation in Nigeria.

Speaking during a walk to mark World IVF week, the Managing Director of the clinic, Sunny Ekhalume, said many fertility clinics in Nigeria did not meet the required standard.

A statement on Tuesday said the staff members of Bridge Clinic embarked on the awareness walk around the GRA in Ikeja.

The MD said, “Most important is the need for regulation. Currently, there is no serious regulation around fertility management in Nigeria, and implementing such regulations is very important.

“We have over 100 fertility clinics in Nigeria now, but many of them do not meet the required standards and do not adhere to the ethics and practices expected. For example, you will see some IVF clinics celebrating the birth of six babies at once. At Bridge Clinic, we will not transfer more than two embryos at a time, prioritising the health of the mother and the babies.

“In other parts of the world, clinics will not even transfer more than one embryo, and that is the standard we aim to achieve.”

He added that the government could help educate people and reduce the stigma surrounding fertility and IVF, saying there was a need for more investment in healthcare, not just fertility clinics but overall healthcare services.

Also speaking, one of the counsellors at the clinic, Umhor Akinselure, said the fertility walk was aimed at increasing awareness of IVF.

She said, “The IVF’s journey with assisted reproductive technology spans 46 years, though, in our country, we are pioneers, marking our 25th anniversary this year. It’s been 20 years since our first successful birth. It’s time to fully embrace this technology. Let’s encourage those struggling with infertility to seek assistance without hesitation. Around the world, people are increasingly seeking help sooner rather than later.

“Today, my call to everyone facing this challenge is clear: take the right steps, seek help, and if immediate access isn’t possible, start planning for it.”