The Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH) has reported a significant increase in the number of individuals traveling to Nigeria for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatments from other countries.

Dr. Sunday Onuh, the Chairman of the local organizing committee for the 2024 AFRH annual international conference, made this announcement on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing regarding the upcoming event.

The conference, titled "Collaboration for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): Global Best Practices in Nigeria," aims to address this growing trend.

Dr. Onuh highlighted that the rise in medical tourism is largely attributed to the cost-effectiveness of fertility treatments, such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), in Nigeria, coupled with favorable success rates.

He noted, "We have observed patients who have undergone IVF multiple times in the United Kingdom, only to achieve conception on their first attempt here. This year, my practice alone has seen 40% of patients coming from abroad, a trend echoed by my colleagues. In the US, a successful IVF cycle can cost around $20,000, whereas in Nigeria, it can be managed for approximately $6,000, which includes travel, accommodation, and treatment expenses."

The AFRH international conference is scheduled for September 18th to 20th and will convene prominent experts, researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world.

"This conference will provide a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, innovative discussions, and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the field of ART and reproductive health in Nigeria. It will include two main sub-themes: 'Groundbreaking Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)' and 'Advancing Ethical Practices in Third Party Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART),'” he added.

He noted that despite a slight delay in the introduction of ART to Nigeria, the nation has made significant strides, establishing itself as a notable player on the global stage.

He remarked that nearly all forms of ART have now been made available in Nigeria, primarily due to the efforts of the private sector. With the involvement of some of our members, the public sector has also adopted these practices, and we are working diligently to ensure that ART is accessible to many Nigerians in need, including those with limited financial resources.

Dr. Ibrahim Wada, a prominent fertility specialist and CEO of Nisa Group, stated that the Association for Reproductive Health in Nigeria (ARFH) is collaborating closely with the federal government and the national assembly to develop a robust regulatory framework for ART practices in the country.

He mentioned that the association recently engaged with the chairman of the House of Representatives' health committee to advocate for a regulatory act concerning ART.

Dr. Wada emphasized that incorporating fertility treatments into the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) would significantly enhance the affordability of ART for couples in Nigeria who require these services.