Sierra Leone marked a historic moment with the birth of the country’s first In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) baby. The delivery took place at the Sierra Hope Fertility Clinic, located in John Obey, Freetown Peninsular.
The journey to parenthood through IVF was an emotional one for the mother. Having experienced miscarriages in previous attempts outside of Sierra Leone, she began the process at Sierra Hope three years ago. Overcoming these challenges, she expressed immense joy at finally being able to conceive and deliver a healthy baby through IVF within the country.
“This wasn’t an easy path,” the CEO of the hospital acknowledged, “but we’re thrilled to be part of this special moment for this family.” She revealed that the IVF process for the mother began in July 2023, with the embryo transfer taking place in August.
The Sierra Hope Fertility Clinic offers a range of fertility services designed to meet the needs of various patients. The CEO emphasized that the clinic prioritizes affordability, making their services accessible compared to options in other countries.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) involves collecting mature eggs from the ovaries and fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory setting. The fertilized eggs, called embryos, are then implanted in the uterus, where a successful pregnancy can develop. A full IVF cycle typically takes around 2-3 weeks.
This successful birth signifies a significant advancement in Sierra Leone’s healthcare landscape, offering new hope for couples struggling with infertility.
