10-15 percent of couples in Zambia are affected by infertility

About 10-15 percent of couples in the country are affected by infertility.

And around 85% of infertility cases are due to untreated infectious diseases such as Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unsafe abortions and unsafe deliveries.

Speaking when she launched the “Merck More than a Mother Project” in Lusaka, First Lady Esther Lungu says infertility remains a health problem in Zambia with direct and indirect negative effects on couples and families.

Mrs Lungu notes with sadness that women are blamed for infertility solely, although 50% of infertility is attributed to men.

She has noted the need to speak out and discuss infertility issues openly.

Mrs Lungu has since welcomed the long term partnership that exists between her office, the ministry of health and MERCK Foundation which she says will help address various health challenges in the country in line with the government’s legacy goals through the ministry of health.

Speaking earlier, Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer and Founder Dr Rasha Kelej has pledged her continued support to capacity building for healthcare provision through the training of Doctors in the field of cancer, fertility, diabetes and hypertension.

And Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya says the country is working on capacity building in the area of medical specialists for the infertility clinics that have been setup across all the ten provinces of the country.

And in a vote of thanks,Kasonde Sampa who has lived with the condition of infertility called on government to provide expertise and affordable services that can help address the condition of infertility in the country.