The WHO emphasizes that infertility is an overlooked public health issue, affecting one in six people. Access to treatments remains limited and costly.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared that infertility represents an overlooked public health challenge, affecting approximately one in six people globally. It is considered a reproductive disease, and the diagnosis is made after one year of unprotected sexual contact without pregnancy. Although the demand for assisted reproductive services is increasing, access to these services is limited, and costs can be prohibitive. WHO emphasizes that a procedure for in vitro fertilization (IVF) can cost twice the average annual income of a household, which can lead to severe financial problems.

Infertility affects not only physical health but also mental health, having a disproportionate impact on women. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director of WHO, stated that millions of people face stigma and exclusion due to the high costs of treatments. In its new guideline, WHO calls on countries to expand access to fertility treatments and to inform the population about risk factors. The guideline recommends rapid diagnosis and psychological support for those affected. In Europe, countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have the best scores in treatment accessibility, while Albania, Azerbaijan, and Kosovo are at the bottom of the ranking. WHO encourages the adoption of this guideline to provide more people with access to evidence-based fertility services.