“Stop naming, mocking and shaming perceived infertile couples”. That was the call by Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo when she opened the Merck Foundation, Africa, Asia Luminary conference taking place in Accra.
Mrs. Akufo-Addo said such couples need empathy and support instead of being subjected to humiliation.
The conference which also marks the second anniversary of Merck Foundation is being Co-chaired by Mrs. Akufo-Addo and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kalej.
It is estimated that nearly 186 million people in the world experience some form of infertility. Although Africa is not considered a high risk continent when it comes to infertility, culture and perceptions place a high burden on couples particularly women to have children. Those who are unable to, are laughed at, shunned, called names and even at times physically assaulted by family members.
The annual conference by Merck Foundation brought together First Ladies and experts from 58 countries across the world to deliberate on how to improve the lives of persons suffering discrimination due to infertility.
The First Lady Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo who is co-chairing the conference called on her counterpart first ladies to join hands and come out with programmes and policies that will address the challenges of infertility in Africa.
CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kalej said although Merck is training doctors to support infertile couples, dealing with stigma will require that all stakeholders take a bold step.
The first ladies are from Nigeria, Liberia, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Chad.
STORY BY: DOREEN AMPOFO.
