The Bridge Clinic in Lagos is advocating for stricter regulation of In Vitro Fertilisation practices in Nigeria.
According to The PUNCH, during a walk to commemorate World IVF Week, the clinic’s Managing Director, Sunny Ekhalume, highlighted the lack of proper regulation in the country’s fertility clinics.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, staff members from the Bridge Clinic participated in an awareness walk around GRA in Ikeja.
Ekhalume emphasized the critical need for regulatory measures, stating, “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.”
He pointed out that despite there being over 100 fertility clinics in Nigeria, many fail to meet required standards and ethical practices.
Ekhalume noted, “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.”
Ekhalume also stressed the need for government intervention to educate the public and reduce the stigma surrounding fertility treatments.
He advocated for greater investment in healthcare broadly, not just in fertility services.
Counselor Umhor Akinselure, who also spoke, shared that the fertility walk was intended to boost awareness about IVF.
She remarked, “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.”
Akselure’s message to those facing fertility challenges was clear, noting, “Take the right steps, seek help, and if immediate access isn’t possible, start planning for it.”
