LAGOS, Nigeria – As the cost of starting a family continues to climb, the JOJE Abebe ART Foundation is calling for increased government support to make In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment accessible to more couples in Nigeria. The foundation’s plea comes as the price of a single IVF cycle now ranges between ₦3.5 million and ₦4.5 million, a significant increase from the approximately ₦1.5 million it cost five years ago, driven largely by inflation.
The rising costs present a formidable barrier for many Nigerians struggling with infertility. According to the foundation, financial constraints and the emotional weight associated with IVF often discourage couples from seeking help. The JOJE Abebe ART Foundation, marking its fifth anniversary this month, has been working to bridge that gap, but advocates say a broader systemic solution is needed to address the growing crisis in fertility care access.
Foundation’s Five-Year Mission to Expand Access
Established in 2016, the JOJE Abebe ART Foundation has provided subsidized IVF treatment and support to hundreds of couples across Africa, with a particular focus on Nigeria. The foundation’s operate is deeply rooted in the personal experience of its President, Dr. John Abebe and his wife, who faced a 13-year journey before welcoming twins. This experience fueled their commitment to helping others navigate the challenges of infertility.
In February 2021, the foundation launched the “Be Fruitful Project,” offering discounted IVF services to couples who cannot afford standard treatment costs. Since its inception, the project has enrolled approximately 1,000 participants, leading to over 500 pregnancies and more than 300 live births, according to the foundation’s statement released on Sunday. The foundation has also introduced the “Access to Parenthood Initiative,” a tiered payment system designed to accommodate varying financial capacities, ensuring that more couples can receive both treatment and counselling.
IVF Costs and the Need for Government Intervention
The escalating cost of IVF is a nationwide concern. Currently, the foundation offers discounted IVF cycles for around ₦1.2 million, a reduction from the market rate. However, even this reduced cost remains prohibitive for many. “Usually when people talk about IVF, they are scared. Scared because it’s usually particularly expensive, so what happened was that we came up with the idea that, let’s just make it affordable to those who are interested but don’t have the money,” explained Ngozi Abebe, Director of Administration for the foundation, in a statement. Punch Newspapers reported on the foundation’s concerns.
Despite the foundation’s efforts, public financial support for fertility treatment remains limited in Nigeria. Dr. Abebe acknowledged the challenges of securing government funding, stating, “I don’t witness a situation where government would just come up and help people fund their treatment, their IVF treatment… Otherwise, people fund their treatment personally.” This reliance on private funding exacerbates the existing inequalities in access to fertility care.
The JOJE Abebe Foundation’s Impact and Future Goals
The JOJE Abebe Art Foundation’s work extends beyond financial assistance. The foundation also provides crucial counselling services, recognizing the emotional toll that infertility can take on individuals and couples. The foundation’s holistic approach aims to support patients throughout their entire journey to parenthood.
Looking ahead, the foundation hopes to forge broader partnerships, including increased government involvement, to expand its reach and impact. Dr. Abebe expressed optimism that collaborative efforts will help overcome the financial barriers to fertility treatment and counselling, enabling more couples to realize their dreams of starting a family. The foundation’s fifth anniversary serves as a call to action, urging stakeholders to prioritize access to fertility care as a critical public health issue.
The foundation’s work is particularly timely given the increasing prevalence of infertility, linked to factors such as delayed childbearing, lifestyle changes, and environmental influences. Addressing this growing need requires a multi-faceted approach, including increased awareness, improved access to affordable treatment options, and a supportive healthcare system.
Disclaimer: This article provides information about fertility treatment and is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. We see essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
The JOJE Abebe ART Foundation will continue to advocate for policy changes and increased funding for fertility care in Nigeria. The next update on the foundation’s initiatives is expected in June 2026, following a planned meeting with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health.
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