Speaking on Wednesday at the launch of a ’ More than a Mother’ campaign organised by Merk Foundation, at Avani Gaborone Resort and Casiono, various speakers emphasised that infertility affects both men and women. They highlighted the importance of proper reporting to educate the community on understanding and accepting health issues and their sensitivity. They also revealed that in sub-Saharan Africa, infection is the cause of infertility in up to 85% of women seeking infertility care compared to 33% worldwide. In Africa, some traditional, cultural and religious practices, combined with low resource environment are thought to be associated with higher levels of non-genetic and preventable causes of infertility such as poor nutrition, untreated sexually transmitted diseases, unsafe abortions, consequence of infection caused by the practice of female genital mutilation and exposure to smoking, leaded petrol and other environmental pollutants.
The Merk Foundation ambassador and also the First Lady for Botswana, Neo Masisi, said social media and photography can be used to help in campaigning against infertility stigma. "This training will help the media, academics and the community at large that health issues are sensitive. There is a need for modules around health,” she said. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health, Dr Edwin Dikoloti said in Botswana, where the nation faces a range of health challenges, from chronic diseases to maternal and child health issues, the need for well-trained medical professionals has never been more critical.
The Merck Foundation has recognised this need, and has taken a commendable step forward by offering scholarships that empower doctors with specialised knowledge and skills. He said the Merck Foundation together with the First Lady of Botswana, have transformed the patient care landscape of the nation by providing 46 scholarships in many underserved and critical medical specialities such as Diabetes, Endocrinology, Embryology, Fertility, Oncology and Respiratory care, just to mention a few. Furthermore, he said the Merck Foundation’s commitment goes beyond the health sector and together with the Office of First Lady, they also support the Ministry of Education with scholarships the Merck Foundation’s commitment goes beyond the health sector.
He also said together with the office of the First Lady, they also support the Ministry of Education with scholarships representing a vital investment in our medical professionals and young scholars. He, however, said people must celebrate the initiative and continue to support doctors in their pursuit of excellence. Merk Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr Rasha Kelej said the 'More than a Mother' campaign is aims to break the stigma around infertile women and raise awareness on infertility prevention and male infertility, gender-based violence, and hypertension amongst others. “If media could be taught how to report health issues then the message could reach the community,” she said.
