Poor data reporting and a lack of comprehensive Regulation have impacted Nigeria’s ability to meet global standards in the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) sector. Professor Preye Fiebai, president of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health (AFRH), emphasised this during the association’s 14th Annual International Conference in Abuja. He underscored the importance of collaboration in the progression of ART, particularly in a nation facing increasing infertility rates alongside a growing societal acceptance of these technologies. He stressed that the conference’s theme, “Collaboration for Assisted Reproductive Technology, Global Best Practices in Nigeria,” was timely, as reproductive health has become a central issue for global well-being.
The increasing need for ART services in the country illustrates a broader pattern of falling fertility rates across the globe, and it provides support for many couples facing challenges with infertility. Despite this, Fiebai emphasised that the country’s complete capacity for ART can only be achieved through joint initiatives. He is convinced that collaborating with international experts will enable the region to implement and tailor effective strategies aligned with the nation’s distinctive cultural and healthcare environment. He explained that its potential can become actualised for many individuals by utilising global knowledge and customising these innovations to meet the country’s specific requirements.
Leading nations have enforced thorough regulations covering crucial areas.
A robust framework that safeguard ethical practices will ensure patient safety and provide strong legal protections, facilitating global advancements in ART. Leading countries have implemented thorough regulations addressing key areas such as surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, and genetic testing. Ongoing investments in research and technology have facilitated progress in areas like fertility preservation, precision medicine, and personalised treatments. On the other hand, while the country has experienced notable advancements in its services, mainly due to the rise of innovative fertility clinics in Lagos and Abuja, it remains behind in creating globally recognised standards.
Professor Fiebai identified inadequate data reporting and insufficient regulatory monitoring as the main reasons for this disparity. Although the AFRH has made strides in tackling these concerns, considerable work is still ahead. He stressed the need for cross-sector collaboration, emphasising that these alliances could accelerate advancement and elevate the country’s ART sector to match international standards. In the ongoing discussion, Dr. Tanko Sununu, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Education, emphasised the critical role of financial support in enhancing healthcare services, particularly in ART.
Many health centres lack the necessary tools for effective service.
Sununu stressed the need for financial and regulatory plans in healthcare. He proposed the creation of a dedicated bank focused on the health sector to tackle the financial hurdles that medical facilities encounter. As medical equipment costs continue rising, several health centres struggle to acquire the necessary tools for effective service delivery. Dr. Sununu suggested establishing a health-focused bank that could provide loans with single-digit interest rates to address this funding gap. In his assessment of the global healthcare environment, he pointed out India’s achievements in generating foreign currency through medical tourism, proposing that other nations might pursue a comparable route.
Also, he encouraged healthcare professionals within the country to encourage teamwork, stressing that combining efforts would resolve existing economic difficulties and enhance the quality of healthcare services. Dr. Sununu urged the National Assembly to establish regulations governing specific medical practices, ensuring compliance with ethical standards. He emphasised the importance of legal protections for healthcare providers, pointing out that judges frequently exercise excessive discretion in legal cases concerning medical workers without enabling legislation. He cautioned that this situation could unfairly impact healthcare practitioners.
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In response to particular worries regarding healthcare procedures, Dr. Sununu raised the problem of delivering multiple infants through cesarean sections, which he found to be impermissible. He advocated for establishing regulations to govern these methods, rooted in Legislation ensuring adherence to ethical standards while protecting patients and healthcare providers. The AFRH conference underscored the pressing necessity for reforms within the medical sector. Inadequate data reporting and insufficient regulations are major obstacles to its development. By promoting inter-sectoral collaboration, establishing effective regulatory measures, and tackling financial issues, the country has the potential to enhance its ART services to meet global standards.