Botswana has achieved a historic milestone in the field of reproductive health with the country’s first clinical embryologist, Ms. One Stephen, completing training under the Merck Foundation Fertility and Embryology Program in November 2023. Her achievement comes at a time when assisted reproductive services remain unavailable locally, forcing many couples to seek costly treatments abroad.
Stephen says her motivation to join the program was the unavailability of human assisted reproduction services in Botswana. “As the first clinical embryologist in the country, I must say I am proud and passionate. I am well equipped with a lifetime specialized skill in embryology and ready to assist people suffering from infertility,” she told WeekendPost.
With extensive experience in the TB field, Stephen diversified into fertility and embryology to address one of the country’s most pressing healthcare gaps. She has acquired advanced skills in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) — procedures that could give hope to thousands of childless couples in Botswana. Her training, she explains, has enhanced her personal and professional development while opening new career paths. “My desire is to concentrate and acquire more knowledge in the field of fertility and embryology, thus enabling me to address nearly all cases that arise using newly acquired treatment skills.”
Since completing her training, Stephen has carried out a situational analysis at one of the country’s largest hospitals, which revealed the urgent need for an IVF center. Inspired by the findings, she has begun advocating for the establishment of Botswana’s first such facility. “Tsholofelo ga e tlhabise ditlhong — comes the storm, I shall rise,” she says, emphasizing her determination to push the agenda despite challenges.
The absence of an IVF center, however, has limited her ability to put her skills into practice. Fertility treatment requires a collaborative approach, yet Botswana has few fertility specialists and embryologists. “Insufficient practice due to lack of an IVF center and limited professionals are major challenges,” she notes. Despite these obstacles, Stephen continues to lobby for resources, partnerships, and awareness programs to turn her vision into reality.
Stephen has called on the Merck Foundation and its partners to assist with networking, mentoring, and refresher courses to help her remain up to date with practice. She also advocates for the training of more fertility specialists, gynecologists, and embryologists in Botswana to strengthen the field. “I hope Merck could assist with connections to make my dream a success. I am looking forward to collaboration and access to key players, including media, for awareness and public sensitization,” she says.
Beyond medical infrastructure, Stephen highlights the importance of awareness campaigns to dismantle stigma around infertility. In many communities, infertility remains a sensitive issue, often burdening women disproportionately. She believes that open dialogue and education are critical to ensuring that affected couples receive support rather than judgment. Stephen has also expressed willingness to participate in alumni-led initiatives, public campaigns, and mentorship programs for future participants, underscoring her commitment to build capacity and awareness.
While praising the Merck Foundation’s contribution, Stephen suggests that courses be aligned with Botswana’s health profession requirements to simplify registration and enable smooth integration into the healthcare system. Her journey marks a turning point for Botswana, not just as a personal milestone but as the beginning of a broader conversation on reproductive health. For many couples yearning for children, her achievement represents hope that fertility services could one day be available locally.
“Merck is doing excellent work,” she concludes, “but with the right support and collaboration, we can make fertility treatment a reality in Botswana.”
