The cries of a newborn baby girl filled the delivery room at Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital last week, but this birth carried special significance.
At 3.6 kilograms baby represents more than just another successful delivery – she embodies years of scientific advancement, unwavering hope, and the determination of a couple who refused to give up on their dream of parenthood.
For Salim Malinga and Sayeed Rukusana, the journey to hold their daughter began five years ago when they first started trying to conceive. Month after month, their hopes were met with disappointment until a friend suggested they visit Uganda’s first specialized reproductive health facility.
“Since we got married, we tried our luck to get a child, but it was all in vain until a friend advised us to come to the specialized hospital,” the couple shared, their relief evident as Sayeed carried their daughter.
Their baby girl is the second successful birth through In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) at Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital. The hospital, established as the country’s first facility dedicated to highly specialized reproductive and neonatal services, has positioned itself as a beacon of hope for families facing fertility challenges.
Dr. David Nsibambi, Head of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at the hospital, reflects on the program’s progress since its launch in August of the previous year. The numbers tell a story of both success and the complex nature of fertility treatment.
“We started with five patients who received free cycles,” Dr. Nsibambi explains. “A cycle encompasses everything from initial stimulation to embryo transfer and the continuation of pregnancy. We later added five more patients with a 50% cost waiver to help them access treatment.”
The statistics reveal the realities of IVF treatment: of 28 total cycles completed, 18 patients finished the full process. From these, 11 achieved positive pregnancy tests, though only seven progressed to clinical pregnancies – those confirmed through scans and follow-up monitoring. The remaining four experienced chemical pregnancies, where initial tests show positive results but the pregnancy doesn’t develop.
“Out of those seven clinical pregnancies, we now have our second successful delivery,” Dr. Nsibambi notes, highlighting both the promise and challenges inherent in fertility treatment.
One of the most significant aspects of the hospital’s IVF program is its commitment to affordability. While private hospitals in Uganda typically charge substantially more for fertility treatments, Mulago Specialised Women and Neonatal Hospital offers IVF services for between 14 million and 15 million Ugandan shillings still a considerable sum for many families, but representing a more accessible option in the country’s fertility care landscape.
Acting Executive Director Dr. Sam Enonge emphasizes the collaborative effort behind each success story. “We want to thank the parents of this baby. Without them coming here, we wouldn’t have this story to tell. We express gratitude to everyone who made this successful – the doctors, nurses, and all support staff.”
The journey to establish IVF services at the hospital was not without challenges. Dr. Enonge explains that despite the hospital’s establishment as a specialized facility, launching fertility treatments required significant preparation and investment.
“The cost investment for IVF is substantial, which explains why there are very few facilities offering it, even in our country,” he says. “When planning these services, you must consider the heavy financial investment required.”
Beyond financial considerations, the human element proved equally crucial. “You can’t simply take a general obstetrician or gynecologist and expect them to perform IVF. Specialized training is essential, and our entire team underwent this rigorous preparation to ensure success.”
The hospital’s vision extends beyond current IVF services. Plans are underway to introduce fertility preservation options, including egg and sperm freezing for both social and medical reasons. These services would benefit individuals planning to delay childbearing or those facing medical treatments that could affect their future fertility, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
“Social freezing for those planning families later, or preservation for medical conditions that could affect fertility. These services aren’t offered yet, but we are working toward them,” Dr. Nsibambi explains. “We are taking a stepwise approach. This IVF program is our first step, but the need is much wider than what we currently provide.”
As Uganda’s specialized reproductive health services continue to expand, their story offers encouragement to other couples facing similar journeys.
