The JOJE Abebe ART Foundation has urged greater government support for fertility care in Nigeria. Rising costs of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatments continue to put access out of reach for many couples. The foundation made this statement while celebrating its fifth anniversary, according to Dr. John Abebe, President.
Ngozi Abebe, the foundation’s Director of Administration, highlighted that high IVF costs discourage couples from seeking help. She explained that fear and financial constraints often prevent people from pursuing fertility treatments. “IVF is usually very expensive, so many couples hesitate or abandon treatment,” she added.
Dr. Abebe noted that public support for fertility treatment remains limited in Nigeria. Consequently, most patients still fund their IVF procedures privately without institutional assistance. Over the past five years, treatment costs have increased from N1.5 million to N3.5–N4.5 million due to inflation.
To address affordability, the foundation introduced the “Be Fruitful Project” on February 14, 2021. The initiative offered discounted IVF services to couples unable to pay full treatment fees. Approximately 1,000 people enrolled, resulting in over 500 pregnancies and more than 300 live births.
The foundation recently launched the “Access to Parenthood Initiative,” introducing a tiered payment structure. Couples now pay according to their financial capacity, expanding access to fertility care. Dr. Abebe emphasized that affordability remains the biggest barrier to IVF services in Nigeria.
The foundation’s mission stems from Dr. Abebe’s personal journey, as he and his wife waited 13 years for twins. Through partnerships and potential government involvement, the foundation hopes more couples will access fertility treatment and counselling in the future.
