Chainama Hills Hospital says inclusive public education on infertility needed
DOREEN NAWA
Lusaka
ONE in six women globally faces infertility, yet the stigma and silence around the issue continue to fuel emotional distress and misinformation. Chainama Hills Hospital consultant psychiatrist and national mental health coordinator Francisca Bwalya said there is need for inclusive public education on infertility,
particularly in African societies, where women often bear the psychological burden.
Speaking via video conference during the 7th edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit 2025, Dr Bwalya said infertility places a mental health toll on women, especially when faced with social pressure and blame.
“You can take a count of six women and be assured that one of them will be infertile. In our communities, infertility is often perceived as a woman’s fault even when medical evidence proves otherwise,” she said.
Dr Bwalya said stigma causes anxiety, depression and, in some cases, gender-based violence.
“The media has the power to change that narrative. Media platforms can help dismantle myths surrounding infertility by promoting accurate medical information and encouraging open conversations,” she said.
Dr Bwalya also called for journalists and media houses to engage more with health experts to provide factual content and avoid spreading harmful stereotypes.
“We must use the media not just to inform, but also to heal by allowing women to share their journeys, struggles, and triumphs. Hearing stories of those who have overcome infertility through medical intervention or adoption can inspire hope and resilience,” she said.
A leading fertility specialist based in Kigali, David Mwesigye, said the clock is a crucial factor when it comes to women’s reproductive health.
“Women are time-bound, so is infertility. A woman’s fertility window is biologically limited, and delaying intervention often reduces the chances of successful treatment,” Dr Mwesigye said.
He said while men can remain fertile well into their older years, women experience a natural decline in fertility after the age of 35, with a more rapid drop after 40…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
