The JOJE Abebe ART Foundation in Nigeria has asked for much greater government support when it comes to fertility care, underscoring the rising costs of In Vitro Fertilisation – IVF treatment, which is indeed one of the major factors that places it out of reach for many couples.

Apparently, the foundation made this call in a statement that was issued on February 15, 2026, by Dr. John Abebe, the foundation's president and also the managing director of the Ngozi Abebe Fertility Centre, so as to mark its fifth anniversary. As per the foundation, financial barriers and fears that are associated with IVF discourage many couples from opting for the treatment, and the fact is that the public institution support does remain limited, with most of the fertility care being financed privately.

The foundation went on to note that IVF costs have seen a sharp increase in the last five years, growing from almost N1.5 million to N3.5 million-N4.5 million because of inflation. In order to address this scenario, the foundation has gradually gone on to offer certain discounted rates, which at present are around N1.2 million, in order to make treatment more accessible.

Dr. Abebe put forth the “Be Fruitful Project,” which was launched on February 14, 2021, offering discounted IVF services to couples who are unable to afford the standard treatment. Ever since its inception, the programme has had almost 1,000 participants, which has made way for over 500 pregnancies and also over 300 live births, thereby enabling hundreds of couples to achieve parenthood.

In order to further increase the access, the foundation has also introduced the Access to Parenthood Initiative, which is a tiered payment system letting the couples pay as per their financial capability. Dr. Abebe stressed the fact that affordability still remains the major barrier to fertility care across Nigeria, and this initiative has been put in place to make sure that more couples get the treatment and counselling in spite of their income.

Notably, the mission’s foundation is rooted in the personal experience of Dr. Abebe with infertility. He and his wife had to wait for 13 years before having twins, an experience that itself inspired the creation of the JOJE Abebe ART Foundation in Nigeria, in addition to its programs, so as to support couples who face a similar set of challenges. Dr. Abebe has gone ahead and expressed his hope that much wider partnerships, such as potential government involvement, are sure to expand access as far as fertility treatment and counselling services are concerned in the times to come, hence helping more couples overcome infertility and at the same time achieve parenthood.