Mulago Hospital in the Advanced Trials of In Vitro Fertility (IVF)
In what will be definitely a medical breakthrough for this part of the world, couples facing infertility challenges now have a renewed sense of hope as Mulago Specialized Women and Neonatal Hospital advances in offering In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) services. During a parliamentary accounts committee session, the hospital revealed that it has initiated IVF procedures and is currently monitoring five pregnancies, including one twin pregnancy. The outcomes of these pregnancies will determine whether the services will be expanded to the public.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a popular technique designed to assist individuals with fertility problems. It involves extracting an egg from the woman’s ovaries and fertilizing it with sperm in a controlled laboratory environment. The fertilized egg (embryo) is then implanted into the woman’s womb for development.
Dr. Nabunya, a board Member-shared; “I’m glad to let you know that we began the IVF services, the long-awaited. As we stand, we have five pregnancies up to date, one of them being a twin pregnancy. We are getting into the third trimester for the first baby. We have tried to be slow and we wait for the actual babies to come out. We want the babies, then we’ll be able to open up. So, we are proud of our team for the work they’ve done.”
Despite high fertility rates historically, Uganda has seen a decline in its total fertility rate (TFR). In 2022, the TFR was reported at 4.47 children per woman. down from 5.2 children per woman.
Across different regions, the fertility rate varies significantly, ranging from 3.5 children per woman in urban areas like Kampala to as high as 7.9 in rural areas such as Karamoja. This is according to Statista, a global platform providing statistics, market data, and insights on health and across various industries, supporting research.
Globally, IVF has helped millions achieve parenthood, with notable success in Spain, India, the U.S., Greece, and Israel due to advanced technologies and supportive frameworks.
Mulago Hospital’s progress in IVF services marks an important milestone for Uganda’s healthcare system. If successful, it could pave the way for more accessible fertility treatments across East Africa, reducing stigma and providing hope for thousands struggling with infertility.
