Michael Gwarisa

For many years, in vitro fertilisation has been widely misunderstood and heavily stigmatised in Zimbabwe and across much of Africa. 

The procedure, which involves fertilising an egg with sperm outside the body in a laboratory before transferring the embryo into the uterus, has often been dismissed as “unnatural” or seen as interfering with divine will.

These misconceptions have deepened silence around infertility and discouraged many couples from seeking medical help. Yet despite these persistent attitudes, awareness of IVF and its benefits is gradually increasing, allowing more Zimbabwean couples to consider the option as a pathway to parenthood.

For Jane Sibanda (not her real name), the dream of becoming a mother was slowly turning into a distant hope. Her journey was marked by years of trying to conceive naturally, countless consultations with doctors and attempts at traditional remedies that offered no results.

That all changed the day she decided to turn to science and place her faith in medical innovation. Jane explained that her journey began with routine gynaecological consultations. Doctors initially reassured her that conception could take time. 

After two years without success, she underwent further investigations, including dye tests to check for blocked fallopian tubes.

The results showed that her tubes were clear, leaving her in what she described as a “grey area.” With no clear medical explanation for her infertility, she said she began searching for answers elsewhere, even turning to churches and traditional healers before eventually discovering IVF through online research.

“My husband and I visited IVF Zimbabwe, where we received a detailed orientation on the entire IVF journey, beginning with initial consultations and fertility assessments, through ovulation monitoring, medication protocols and egg retrieval to sperm collection, fertilisation in the laboratory and embryo transfer,” said Jane.

“The medical team explained each stage clearly, ensuring that we understood what to expect from start to finish, including follow-up care and emotional support throughout the process.”

IVF typically begins in sync with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Jane said she was introduced to fertility medications designed to stimulate egg production. These medications prepared her ovaries for retrieval, a critical step in the process.

“I was closely monitored by the IVF Zimbabwe team, who provided round-the-clock support, answering my anxious calls and offering reassurance at every stage. When the time came, I was taken to the theatre for egg retrieval. Nine mature eggs were harvested, and six usable embryos developed.

“Though the procedure was mildly painful, I was not put fully to sleep and recovered quickly after two days of rest,” she added.

Jane pointed out that her husband’s role was equally vital. Sperm retrieval was required to fertilise her eggs.

“Initially my husband was hesitant, but he quickly overcame his discomfort after witnessing my emotional struggles and agreed to participate in the process,” she said.

Once fertilisation was complete, embryos were transferred into Jane’s womb. She explained that the most anxious period followed, commonly known as the “two-week wait.”

“Although I was advised by the IVF Zimbabwe team to wait ten days before testing, I began testing at home on day seven. Early signs of pregnancy filled me with cautious hope, though bleeding left me fearful of miscarriage.

“Nevertheless, I then went for a blood test and the medical confirmation brought my husband and me immense joy. I was pregnant after my very first IVF cycle,” she added.

Jane acknowledged the emotional toll of infertility. Each failed attempt before IVF left her devastated. Yet she remained determined, buoyed by support groups and the logical reassurance of science.

“It was my egg, my husband’s sperm. It made sense. When my first cycle succeeded, I embraced the IVF process wholeheartedly.

“Today I am a proud mother of a three-year-old daughter. I am also currently pregnant with my second child through a frozen embryo transfer. The second process was easier and cheaper compared to the first,” Jane added.

Aside from mild pain during egg retrieval and anxiety throughout the process, Jane said she experienced no major complications. She credits the IVF Zimbabwe team for their patience and kindness, describing them as “family” who held her hand through every step.

IVF Zimbabwe fertility centre provides advanced solutions to couples with subfertility in the country, combining modern science with compassionate care.

With 379 IVF babies born to date, the centre reached another milestone this year, recording 57 births, an average of one IVF baby born every week. The centre continues to grow, attracting patients from Mozambique, Kenya, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabweans living abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Jane’s story is a testament to perseverance and the transformative potential of IVF.

“Couples should not hesitate. IVF is a solution that works,” she advised.

Her journey reflects IVF Zimbabwe’s mission to bring hope to families and make world-class fertility care accessible in Zimbabwe.

In Zimbabwe and across the world, the conversation around women’s empowerment increasingly recognises the importance of reproductive health.

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8, is this year running under the theme “Give to Gain.” The theme provides a powerful lens through which to view the transformative role of fertility care.

Although infertility affects both men and women, women often bear the brunt of the blame. Even when infertility is medically linked to male factors, cultural norms frequently hold women responsible.

This misplaced blame perpetuates gender inequality, discrimination and violence, reinforcing patriarchal structures that further marginalise women.

The consequences of infertility extend far beyond medical concerns. It can lead to psychological distress, marital instability, intimate partner violence, risky sexual behaviour and economic hardship.

In many societies, parenthood is seen as a cultural expectation. Those unable to meet this expectation often face stigma, loss of identity, grief and sometimes ostracism or abuse.

In vitro fertilisation (IVF), a widely used assisted reproductive technology, has become an important option for couples facing subfertility. In Zimbabwe, IVF services have quietly but steadily grown, combining modern science with compassionate care.

The IVF Zimbabwe clinic in Harare illustrates this progress, having achieved notable milestones, with 390 IVF babies born to date. Last year alone, 57 births were recorded, an average of one IVF baby every week.

“Infertility is not simply a medical condition but a multidimensional issue that intersects with human rights, gender justice, economics and public health,” explained IVF Zimbabwe doctor Tinovimba Mhlanga.

“Through opening doors for women across diverse backgrounds, IVF embodies the spirit of the International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain,’ offering families the chance to grow while challenging harmful narratives around infertility.

“It is a reminder that reproductive health is central to empowerment, dignity and equality,” Dr Tinovimba Mhlanga added.

Beyond the figures, testimonies from women who have undergone IVF speak to its empowering impact.

One woman described the experience as “a second chance at life,” explaining that the birth of her child brought not only joy but also social acceptance and relief from years of discrimination.

Another woman called IVF “liberating,” noting that it allowed her to reclaim her identity as a mother while pursuing personal and professional growth.

These stories illustrate that the benefits of IVF extend beyond medical success. It empowers women, reduces stigma and fosters resilience.

“In addition to clinical interventions, a unified shift in social attitudes, equitable access to care and efforts to dismantle the stigma surrounding childlessness are required.

“Without such changes, women will continue to suffer disproportionate blame and harm, despite infertility being a shared human condition,” Dr Tinovimba Mhlanga added.

He said International Women’s Day is a moment to reflect on the progress made and the work still ahead.

“The empowerment that comes with reproductive health services is profound. Addressing some of the challenges through IVF can help restore dignity and agency to women, enabling them to participate fully in family life and society,” Dr Tinovimba Mhlanga said.