Dr. Naila wins first Fertility Support Community award

The first "patient care" award from the association that spreads awareness regarding fertility issues was awarded last night to Dr. Naila Ibrahim Mohamed Didi, the first Maldivian obstetrician and gynecologist.

The Minister of Health Abdulla Nazim presented the award during the gala night to Naila, co-founder of Society for Health Education (SHE) and a driving force behind women's health and fertility treatments for many years.

During the ceremony, founder and President of the Fertility Support Community Asha Hussain said that the subject of fertility in Maldives is still a taboo subject.

She said that there is no one who does not bear the difficulties of reproduction, with regional and international statistics showing that that number would continue to increase.

Asha stated that action needs to be taken as a nation, with family planning to be encouraged and to show guidance to newly-wed couples. Along with that, awareness programs surrounding sexual and reproductive health and healthy living should be supported, stated Asha.

Asha highlighted that there are health insurance packages available in certain countries in order to get treatment for fertility issues. However, the Fertility Support Community cleared up that this does not mean they advocate for the inclusion of all IVF treatments in insurance.

"We believe in guiding our community members towards good treatment. Not to hastily conduct IVF procedures. One of the purposes is to increase fertility awareness and provide aid to those along their fertility journey," said Asha.

She went on to say that she is thankful for the facilitation of 100 opportunities for those who want to make use of IVF via NSPA and Aasandha.

The Fertility Support Community said that their aim is to provide information to the public as easily as possible. A magazine was launched last night in order to achieve this.

Additionally, an agreement has been signed between India's Milann Specialty Hospitals and the Fertility Support Community in order to aid married couples for IVF treatments. The MoU was signed by founder and President Asha on behalf of the Fertility Support Community and Managing Director Anjali Ajaikumar on behalf of Milann Specialty Hospitals.

The funds for the treatment will be taken from the IVF Fund.

Currently, there are 460 members in the Fertility Support Community, which was registered in January 2021.