WHO Issues First Global Guideline to Improve Access to Fertility Care

The World Health Organization has released its first global guideline aimed at making infertility care safer, more equitable and affordable. Infertility affects about one in six adults, yet access to testing and treatment remains limited, with many people facing overwhelming out-of-pocket costs. In some regions, a single IVF cycle can exceed a family’s yearly income.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros highlighted infertility as a major but overlooked public health issue, urging countries to integrate fertility services into national health systems. The guideline offers 40 recommendations covering prevention, diagnosis and treatment, stressing evidence-based and cost-effective care. It promotes early education on fertility, tackling risks such as untreated STIs and tobacco use, and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits.

The guidance outlines clear clinical pathways for managing male and female infertility and calls for psychosocial support due to the emotional burden. WHO urges governments to adapt these recommendations within rights-based reproductive health frameworks.

01-12-2025