Infertility: A Silent Global Crisis Affecting 15% of the World’s Population
As the world grapples with numerous public health challenges, a quieter yet deeply impactful crisis persists: infertility. According to Dr. Charles Uhioh, Chief Medical Director of Our Mother Theresa Specialist Hospital and Fertility Centre, approximately 15 percent of the global population struggles with infertility—a staggering figure that translates to roughly 1 in 6 couples worldwide.
Speaking at the hospital’s 20th anniversary celebration in Asaba, Delta State, Dr. Uhioh emphasized that infertility is not only a personal and emotional burden but also a growing global health concern. He broke down the causes of infertility using global statistics:
- 30% of cases are male-related,
- 30% are attributed to female factors,
- 30% involve both partners, and
- The remaining 10% are classified as “unexplained infertility.”
These numbers align with findings from the World Health Organization (WHO), which earlier reported that over 186 million individuals globally are affected by infertility, with many suffering in silence due to cultural stigmas, misinformation, and lack of access to treatment.
Despite the daunting statistics, Dr. Uhioh expressed optimism. “Medical advancements, especially in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), have significantly improved the chances of conception for couples,” he said. “We are seeing rising success rates, and in many parts of the world, fertility services are more accessible than ever before.”
His hospital, which has branches in Lekki (Lagos), Asaba (Delta), and Uromi (Edo State), has helped over 6,000 families conceive through IVF and related treatments. “We believe every woman is a mother, and our mission is to make that dream come true for as many people as possible,” he added.
In many African societies, the social consequences of infertility—especially for women—are harsh. Women are often unfairly blamed, leading to marital strife, emotional trauma, and social ostracism. However, as Dr. Uhioh emphasized, the problem is not gender-specific. “Infertility affects both men and women equally,” he noted, calling for a broader, more informed public conversation about fertility.
He also highlighted the need for governments to prioritize fertility health, saying, “There is an urgent need for public health systems to integrate fertility education, awareness, and subsidized treatments into primary healthcare services.”
With increasing infertility rates projected in the next decade due to factors like environmental toxins, rising stress levels, obesity, and delayed childbearing, fertility specialists are calling for urgent action.
Infertility may not make daily headlines, but it is a crisis that affects millions—emotionally, physically, and socially. Thanks to pioneers like Dr. Charles Uhioh and his team, hope continues to shine for countless families across Nigeria and beyond.
As the world advances in science and technology, equitable access to fertility care should be considered a basic right—not a luxury—for all.
