“Infertility is not just about biology; it is about dignity, identity, and belonging. When society is silent, the pain only grows louder inside us.” – Breaking the Silence Symposium participant
To tackle stigma surrounding infertility, the Rainbow Hearts Foundation (RHF) convened the Breaking the Silence Symposium in Kampala, Uganda, in August 2025, to share solutions to make fertility care more equitable
The gathering brought together health leaders, policymakers, fertility experts, patient advocates, media representatives, and industry partners to elevate voices of commitment and courage.
Infertility affects one in 6 people worldwide
World Health Organization (WHO) Country Advisor, Dr. Andrew Bakainaga, reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to comprehensive infertility care, stressing that one in six people worldwide are affected.
Representing Uganda’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Daniel Kyabayinze announced progress toward a Human Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill to provide a legal and policy framework for fertility care in Uganda. He highlighted the urgency of normalizing infertility in public health discourse:
“Infertility is not a side issue, it is central to well-being. Every taxpayer deserves a fair chance at wellness, and infertility care must be part of that.”
Progress expanding fertility care in East Africa
IVF pioneer Dr. Edward Tamale-Sali reflected on Uganda’s fertility journey since the first IVF baby in 2004. He highlighted progress in expanding fertility clinics across East Africa but reminded participants that 30% of infertility cases are male-related, urging men to seek care without stigma. His message was clear: investment in training, collaboration, and integration of fertility services into mainstream health systems must continue.
Tamale-Sali was followed by a discussion highlighting psychosocial and spiritual dimensions of fertility care. Clinical psychologist Jennifer Male discussed grief and trauma; Pastor Sarah Sseggane reframed fruitfulness beyond biological children; and advocate Proscovia Kanyesigye emphasized the power of peer groups. Together, they demonstrated that mental health care and stigma reduction must stand alongside medical treatment.
More Joy in Africa
Uganda Fertility Society President Dr. Daniel Zaake, discussed how Uganda is implementing the International Federation of Fertility Societies’ (IFFS) global More Joy campaign.
He emphasized four urgent priorities:
- Expanding accessible and affordable fertility care.
- Strengthening national policies and insurance coverage.
- Advancing prevention strategies, including tackling infections and environmental disruptors.
- Ensuring compassionate, patient-centered care.
“Infertility is a global concern,” said Dr. Zaake. “Through the More Joy campaign, we are uniting voices worldwide to make the dream of parenthood a reality for more couples.”
Public-private partnerships
Saphina Muki of Ferring Pharmaceuticals discussed the company’s 50-year commitment to fertility care and called for stronger
workplace policies, including fertility benefits and flexible leave, and the role of public-private partnerships in expanding access to care.
Unity and urgency
By blending science, policy, advocacy, and lived experience, Breaking the Silence 2025 reaffirmed that infertility is not just a clinical challenge but a social, emotional, and human rights concern. Uganda’s leadership signals a hopeful way forward: from silence to solidarity, and from despair to dignity.
For updates and upcoming initiatives, visit Breaking the Silence Uganda.