The JOJE Abebe ART Foundation has called on the Federal Government to prioritise fertility care policies as the rising cost of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) continues to put treatment beyond the reach of many Nigerian couples.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Sunday to mark the foundation’s fifth anniversary. The statement was signed by the President of the foundation and Managing Director of Ngozi Abebe Fertility Centre, Dr John Abebe.
According to the foundation’s Director of Administration, Ngozi Abebe, the high cost of IVF treatment remains a major barrier, discouraging couples from seeking professional help.
“Usually when people talk about IVF, they are scared- scared because it’s usually very expensive. So we came up with the idea to make it affordable to those who are interested but don’t have the money,” she said.
She noted that fertility treatment in Nigeria is largely self-funded, with minimal public sector intervention.
“I don’t see a situation where government would just come up and help people fund their IVF treatment. For now, people fund their treatment personally,” she added.
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IVF Costs Double in Five Years
The foundation disclosed that IVF treatment, which cost between N1.5 million and N1.7 million five years ago, now ranges from N3.5 million to N4.5 million due to inflation and rising medical expenses.
Despite the increase, the JOJE Abebe ART Foundation said it has maintained subsidised rates under its flagship “Be Fruitful Project,” currently offering discounted packages at about N1.2 million.
Dr John Abebe explained that the initiative, launched on February 14, 2021, was designed to bridge the financial gap in fertility care and prevent couples from abandoning treatment due to cost.
“At the time IVF was going for about N1.5 million, we introduced a two-cycle package for N500,000 that included medication. Many thought it was a scam. Many did not believe,” he said.
Over 500 Live Births Recorded
According to Abebe, nearly 1,000 individuals enrolled in the programme over the past five years. The initiative has recorded over 500 pregnancies and more than 300 live births, with about 500 couples successfully delivering babies.
“So far, we are talking about about 500 couples who have delivered and had their babies. Hundreds have benefited, and in the next five years, we are looking at thousands,” he said.
Launch of ‘Access to Parenthood Initiative’
To further widen access to fertility treatment in Nigeria, the foundation has launched the “Access to Parenthood Initiative,” introducing a tiered payment system that allows couples to pay according to their financial capacity.
“Everybody that comes will not pay the same amount. Affordability remains the biggest barrier to fertility care in Nigeria,” Abebe said.
Personal Journey Behind the Mission
Abebe, a gynaecologist, said the foundation was inspired by his personal experience with infertility. He revealed that he and his wife waited nearly 13 years before welcoming twins.
“For over 12 years, we waited for the fruit of the womb. After almost 13 years, we were blessed with twins. On the day of their dedication, the JOJE Abebe ART Foundation was launched with one simple mission — to turn our pain into gain,” he said.
The foundation expressed hope that with broader partnerships, including possible government involvement, more Nigerian couples will gain access to affordable IVF treatment, fertility counselling, and assisted reproductive services in the coming years.
