A NEW international strategy has highlighted persistent gaps in access to fertility care, calling for stronger integration of infertility services into national reproductive health systems.
Infertility recognised as a public health issue
Infertility affects an estimated one in six people globally and has significant physical, psychological, and social consequences. Despite this, access to fertility care remains limited or unaffordable in many countries, and infertility services are often excluded from essential health coverage.
The new strategy positions infertility as a core reproductive health issue rather than a niche or elective concern, emphasising equity, affordability, and quality of care.
Focus on health system integration
The strategy calls for infertility prevention, diagnosis, and management to be integrated into existing sexual and reproductive health services, including primary care and maternal health programmes. This includes improved access to basic diagnostic testing, counselling, and evidence-based treatment pathways.
Particular emphasis was placed on reducing reliance on highly specialised services alone and strengthening earlier stages of care within general health systems.
Addressing inequities in access
Significant disparities in fertility care access were identified across regions, income groups, and population settings. Financial barriers, lack of trained healthcare professionals, and limited public awareness continue to restrict care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The strategy also highlighted gender inequities, noting that infertility is often framed as a women’s issue despite male factors contributing substantially to infertility prevalence.
Data, workforce, and governance priorities
To support implementation, the strategy calls for improved data collection on infertility prevalence and outcomes, expansion of the reproductive health workforce, and clearer national governance structures. Standardised definitions and reporting were identified as essential for monitoring progress and informing policy.
Countries were encouraged to include infertility indicators within broader reproductive health and universal health coverage monitoring frameworks.
Implications for reproductive health services
Health systems that integrate infertility care may reduce stigma, improve early diagnosis, and support better long-term reproductive outcomes. The strategy aligns with broader reproductive health priorities promoted by the World Health Organization, which has emphasised infertility as a disease of the reproductive system and a component of comprehensive reproductive healthcare.
The authors concluded that coordinated policy action is required to ensure infertility care is accessible, affordable, and evidence-based worldwide.
Reference
World Health Organisation (WHO). Infertility care and reproductive health systems strengthening. Global strategy update. 2026. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infertility. Last accessed: 27 January 2026.
