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| Baby Akeju |
This
follows about 21 years of seemingly endless search for the fruits of the womb
to no avail. Succour finally came their way when the Vine Branch Fertility Centre in
Ibadan opened in May, 2015. This lucky couple found their way there (Vine Branch) where the IVF was done.
Invitro
Fertilization (IVF) otherwise known as Test tube babies is a medical procedure
deployed to help infertile couple achieve pregnancy by fertilizing the sperm
and egg in the laboratory and then putting the embryo in the mother’s womb to
grow. It is a form of assisted reproductive technique.
The first
IVF baby was born in 1978 but this procedure was not conducted in Nigeria until
1989 after which Ibadan joined the league with this baby whose IVF was done in
July 2015 and delivered in March, 2016.
This is a
great feat in Ibadan and further gives hope to couples who have been battling
with infertility without success.
The 47
year-old proud mother of the baby could not hold back her tears of joy as the
baby was christened Precious Grace Oluwasindara Akeju to the admiration of
friends and relatives who had been patiently waiting and praying with the
couple. To God be the glory.
Also
speaking, the Fertility expert and Consultant Gynaecologist who led the team of
experts to carry out the successful IVF, Dr Oluwabukunmi Kolade of Vine Branch
Fertility Centre, Mokola, Ibadan gave all thanks to God almighty for the
opportunity to finally put a smile on the faces of these couple. He narrated
that the centre which opened barely a year ago was able defy all odds to
achieve the feat. Asked about the average success rate of such a newly opened
fertility centre, Dr Kolade averred that it takes about 8 months to one year
for most centres to achieve their first pregnancy but with the help of God and
dedication of the management and staff of Vine Branch Fertility Centre, they
were able to achieve pregnancy in their first attempt at IVF.
He
further stated that the Centre will not rest on its oars as they have even
acquired some sophisticated equipment to ease their task of giving hope to
couples. On the cost of IVF in Ibadan, Dr Kolade believes that “if a couple can
afford a small Tokunbo car, then they can afford an IVF” it is that affordable,
yet the result remains priceless.
