Fertility awareness campaign enters 5th year

The campaign, aptly named “Bridging Baby Steps,” aims to continue education on infertility and raise awareness about the in-vitro fertilization (IVF) methods available in the country through seminars and information dissemination.

Data from a Synovate survey in 2011 showed that one out of 10 Filipinos are suffering from infertility. There are different factors that affect a couple’s ability to procreate such as socio-cultural practices, including the marrying age, educational status and professional goals.

Dr. Virgilio Novero Jr., head of St. Luke’s flagship Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine and Infertility (CARMI), said that infertility can also be traced to issues affecting both the female and male reproductive systems, and medical conditions that compromise the quality of egg and sperm cells.

Since 2013, the local arm of the world’s oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company Merck Philippines, has been proactive in their fertility awareness campaign.

One available method for childless couples is Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).

On IVF being risky, Novero said that the success rate of such procedure has grown tremendously over the past years.

About six million children around the world were born via IVF, he noted.

“As they say, ‘where there’s life, there’s hope.’ We, at Merck Philippines, understand the heartaches of couples who can’t conceive a child. We want to let them know that there are means and ways to combat infertility,” said Dess Cartaño, sales and marketing manager for fertility, Merck Philippines.

To know more about infertility and IVF in the Philippines, visit