In many parts of Africa, struggling to have children isn’t just a private heartbreak—it’s a heavy social burden that cuts deep into families and communities. Infertility carries a weight far beyond biology; it’s tangled up with harsh judgment, isolation, and even economic hardship. At a recent media health training hosted by the Merck Foundation, Dr. David Mwesigye, a specialist in women’s health and fertility from Rwanda, spoke with urgency about the need to change how we talk about infertility. He urged the media, policymakers, and communities across Africa to shed light on this often-hidden crisis through education and empathy.
“Infertility isn’t some curse or punishment from a higher power,” Dr. Mwesigye told a room full of journalists and stakeholders. “It’s a medical condition—one that deserves understanding, proper diagnosis, and treatment.”
In many African cultures, the pressure to marry and have children is intense, and when conception doesn’t happen, women usually bear the brunt of the blame—even though infertility affects men and women almost equally. Dr. Mwesigye pointed out that myths still run rampant. People often blame witchcraft, religious changes, previous abortions, or contraceptive use for infertility.
“I’ve had patients come in broken, convinced they’re cursed or being punished by God,” he shared. “They’ve heard rumors that it’s because of past abortions or switching religions. But infertility is biology, not superstition.”
Beyond the personal pain, ignoring infertility has wider consequences. In some communities, childless couples are shut out—denied inheritance or land rights, pushed to the margins of family networks. This exclusion can spiral into depression, poverty, and fractured relationships. “Families can’t grow without children,” Dr. Mwesigye said bluntly. “It’s not just about emotions; it’s about survival and social standing.”
He challenged the common attitude that fertility care is a luxury. “Many families have farms, cattle, land—but don’t invest in their ability to have children. What’s the point of all that if there’s no next generation?” he asked.
A big part of his message was a call to action for the media. “Doctors are busy, but you—the media—have the reach and power to educate the public,” he said. “Visit clinics, ask questions, share real stories. This is your responsibility.”
By exposing the truth and humanizing infertility, the media can help stop families from falling into despair or turning to unsafe remedies and fake healers.
Dr. Mwesigye explained that infertility has many causes—from infections and hormonal problems to low sperm count and lifestyle factors—and sometimes, there’s no clear explanation. He emphasized a crucial point that many miss: women’s fertility has a ticking clock.
“Just because a woman is still having periods at 50 doesn’t mean she can easily get pregnant,” he said. “The chance of conception drops as women get older. Waiting too long to seek help only makes it harder.”
He also busted common myths about conception. “It’s not about certain sex positions or how much fluid stays inside. Only a few sperm are needed to fertilize an egg,” he explained. “Even in cases like rape, pregnancy can happen if sperm reaches the vaginal opening. It’s biology, not magic.”
Modern medicine offers hope, with treatments ranging from fertility drugs to advanced technologies like intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). One newer option, egg freezing, lets women preserve their fertility while pursuing careers or education or waiting for the right partner.
“I once met a white woman whose African husband left her because they couldn’t have children,” he recalled. “She told me, ‘I’m freezing my eggs so when I find someone new, I’ll be ready.’ That kind of forward-thinking is what we need here in Africa.”
Not every infertility case needs high-tech intervention. Many can be addressed through better health habits, early diagnosis, and education. But without shedding stigma and raising awareness, many couples will continue to suffer quietly.
“Even leaders and policymakers face infertility, yet they don’t speak up,” Dr. Mwesigye said. “We have the platform now with Merck Foundation—let’s use it to reach everyone.”
His message was clear: infertility isn’t a personal failure or a mark of shame. It’s a medical issue that deserves care, respect, and support. For real change, media, governments, religious leaders, and doctors must come together.
“This isn’t about luxury or privilege,” he concluded. “It’s a matter of human dignity. Everyone deserves a chance to try for a child.”
Around the world, 1 in 6 couples face infertility. But in Africa, the stigma can hurt far worse than the condition itself. It’s time to speak up, learn, and support.
