"More Than a Mother" campaign launches to address infertility stigma in Botswana
At the launch of the "More Than a Mother" campaign organized by the Merk Foundation at Avani Lodge on Wednesday, speakers emphasized that infertility is a pressing issue affecting both men and women. The campaign aims to educate the community on the sensitivity surrounding health issues and the importance of proper reporting. In sub-Saharan Africa, infections account for up to 85% of infertility cases among women seeking care, starkly higher than the global average of 33%. Traditional, cultural, and religious practices, combined with limited resources, contribute to non-genetic and preventable causes of infertility. These include poor nutrition, untreated sexually transmitted diseases, unsafe abortions, and complications from female genital mutilation. Neo Masisi, the First Lady of Botswana and ambassador for the Merk Foundation, highlighted the role of social media in combating infertility stigma. "This training will help the media, academics, and the community understa...