Category Archives: Embryology

Embryology

Global in vitro fertilization (IVF) market size was USD 16.89 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 36.39 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR…

Trusted Business Insights answers what are the scenarios for growth and recovery and whether there will be any lasting structural impact from the unfolding crisis for the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) market.

Trusted Business Insights presents an updated and Latest Study on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market 2019-2029. The report contains market predictions related to market size, revenue, production, CAGR, Consumption, gross margin, price, and other substantial factors. While emphasizing the key driving and restraining forces for this market, the report also offers a complete study of the future trends and developments of the market.The report further elaborates on the micro and macroeconomic aspects including the socio-political landscape that is anticipated to shape the demand of the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) market during the forecast period (2019-2029).It also examines the role of the leading market players involved in the industry including their corporate overview, financial summary, and SWOT analysis.

Get Sample Copy of this Report @ In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Conventional IVF, and IVF with ICSI), By Procedure (Fresh Non-donor, Frozen Non-donor, Fresh Donor, and Frozen Donor), By End User (Hospitals, and Fertility Clinics) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 (Includes COVID-19 Business Impact)

The global in vitro fertilization (IVF) market size was USD 16.89 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 36.39 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period.

We have updated In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market with respect to COVID-19 Impact.Inquire before buying

In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one of the most widely used assisted reproductive technology (ART) and it works by using the combination of both medicines and surgical procedures. The IVF treatment helps with embryo development, and implantation in an infertile couple. IVF is the process of fertilization by extracting eggs, retrieving a sperm sample and then manually combining egg and sperm in a laboratory. Growing adoption of IVF technique has resulted in ever year around half a million babies born using IVF or other assisted reproductive techniques. Thus, growing popularity of IVF & ICSI treatment is anticipated to boost the adoption of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment during the forecast period.Rising prevalence of infertility, increasing success rate of IVF procedures and increasing awareness about infertility are some of the major factors fueling the demand for IVF treatment worldwide. Moreover, the introduction of advanced and extended fertility treatment of IVF i.e. intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is expected to drive the growth of in vitro fertilization (IVF) market during 2019-2026 period.

However, the high cost and risks associated with IVF and ICSI treatment are some factors restraining the IVF market growth during the forecast period. For instance, according to a data published by the Reproductive Science Center, a rare condition called Imprinting Disorders was associated with some IVF procedures and it was estimated that the risk of such disorders with IVF treatment was around 2 to 5 per 15,000 births using IVF technique, while the risk in general cases was 1 in 15,000 normal births. Hence, such potential risks and birth defects associated with IVF treatment can hamper the adoption of IVF or ICSI procedure worldwide.

MARKET DRIVERS

Delay in Pregnancies is Accelerating Demand for IVF TreatmentIt is observed that in females, the chances of conceiving start to reduce after the age of 32 and it drop by half by the age of 40. In many countries, a drastic increase in median age of women for first time pregnancy is observed which is leading to several complications associated with pregnancy and also increases the risk of infertility in female partners. Some of the major reasons attributed to the delay in pregnancy are late marriages, couples prioritizing their careers over family planning, and financial instability, etc. Thus, the increasing trend of delaying pregnancy is resulting in infertility that is subsequently increasing the adoption rate of IVF treatment on a global basis. For instance, it has been estimated by various studies that the average fertility rate of the world has declined by 2.5% and the major reason responsible for this is delayed pregnancies in women.

Globally Increasing Prevalence of Infertility is Boosting the Adoption of IVFThe rising prevalence of infertility in countries such as China, U.S, UK and Japan is expected to fuel the demand for in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment during the forecast period. For instance, according to a data published by the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) in 2018, around 6.7% of women in the U.S, aged between 15 to 44 years were suffering from infertility. Also, increasing prevalence of male infertility in the world is anticipated to fuel the adoption of IVF ICSI treatment. For instance, according to a data published by NCBI, it was stated that in 2015, nearly 15.0% of couples present in the world were affected by infertility and among them, the male partners were solely responsible for almost 20.0% -30.0% of the cases. Along with this, shift towards sedentary lifestyle, rising stress level and obesity among the general population are some of the other factors responsible for an increasing prevalence of infertility. Thus, is expected to promote the IVF treatment market growth worldwide. Additionally, governments of some countries are taking initiatives to provide better reimbursement policies for IVF procedures. Hence, these initiatives are anticipated to attract high in vitro fertilization market revenue during the forecast period.SEGMENTATION

By Type Outlook

VF with ICSI Segment is Expected to Dominate the IVF MarketOn the basis of types, the in IVF market segments include conventional IVF, and IVF with ICSI. The IVF with ICSI segment dominated the market in 2018 owing to the increasing number of IVF-ICSI procedures worldwide. For instance, according to the Family Fertility Center, it was estimated that in 2018, IVF-ICSI procedures accounted for approximately 75.0% of all IVF procedures performed in the U.S. It is also observed that the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a preferred choice of treatment for male infertility. Thus, the introduction of such advanced technologies like ICSI coupled with the increasing prevalence of male infertility cases are projected to boost the growth of this segment during the forecast period.

Similarly, the conventional IVF segment is expected to grow at a significant pace during the 2019-2026 period. This growth is attributed to the rising shift of infertile couples towards standard IVF treatment as it involves a comparatively lower risk than the ICSI procedure. Also, it is proved by various studies that the success rate of conventional IVF and IVF along with ICSI are same in couples where the female partner is suffering from infertility. Hence, such data is anticipated to increase the growth rate of this segment by the end of 2026.

By Procedure Outlook

Fresh Non-donor Segment to Hold a Dominant Share in 2018Based on procedure, the global market is segmented into fresh non-donor, frozen non-donor, fresh donor and frozen donor. The fresh non-donor segment is anticipated to register a high CAGR during the forecast period primarily due to the rising prevalence of infertility combined with high success rate of IVF procedures using fresh eggs or embryos. For instance, as per a study published in the Oxford journal, 2017, out of all fertility cycles performed in U.K, an estimated 19.0% would result in live birth if the egg used for the process had never been frozen.

However, the frozen-non donor segment holds the second position in the procedure segment owing to its low cost than the IVF cycles using fresh eggs or embryos. Similarly, the fresh donor and frozen donor segments are expected to register a comparatively moderate CAGR during the forecast period owing to the stringent government regulations in many countries regarding egg & sperm donation.

By End User Outlook

Fertility Clinics Dominate the End User Segment in 2018In terms of end user, the global IVF market is segmented into fertility clinics and hospitals. The fertility clinics segment is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. This dominance is attributed to the increasing number of IVF procedures in fertility clinics, coupled with presence of specialized staff that provide accurate care to the patients. Furthermore, the in vitro fertilization market share from fertility clinics segment is anticipated to grow at a faster pace owing to increasing number of registered fertility clinics in developed and emerging countries such as China, Japan and Brazil.

The hospitals segment accounted for a comparatively lower share of the global market in 2018. The slow growth of this segment is attributed to fewer number of patient visits in hospitals for treatment of infertility, lack of expertise for IVF in hospital settings, and inadequate reimbursement policies in these settings.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

Europe generated a revenue of USD 7.57 billion in 2018 and dominated the vitro fertilization market share in 2018. The dominance is attributed to increasing prevalence of infertility, coupled with the rising success rate of IVF treatment in the region. European countries such as Spain and Denmark are considered to be the most active nations for IVF treatment and are responsible to drive the market growth of this region during 2019-2026 period. For instance, according to a data published by European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) states that the pregnancy rate per treatment in Europe in 2016 was around 30.5% which witnessed a growth of 1.3% than the previous year owing to high success rate of IVF & ICSI procedures. Thus, the increasing birth rate from IVF and ICSI procedures in Europe is anticipated to boost the adoption of IVF in this region during the forecast period.Europe In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market Size, 2018

However, North America is projected to register a steady growth during the forecast period owing to comparatively high cost of IVF and ICSI treatment in this region. For instance, according to FertilityIQ database 2017, a patient spends around US$ 22,000.0 for a single IVF cycle in the U.S. Hence, the increasing IVF cost coupled with growing demand in U.S is resulting in patients travelling to other countries for the treatment. Thus, such trend is leading to a steady growth of this region during forecast period.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to project a higher CAGR by the end of 2026 due to the increasing awareness regarding infertility, coupled with the rise in medical tourism in this region. Additionally, an increase in number of registered fertility clinics is observed in the region which is further expected to result in higher adoption of IVF treatment during the forecast period. For instance, according to the Fertility Society of Australia, in 2018 there were around 120 registered clinics present in Australia, among which almost 98.0% were providing IVF services. Moreover, Latin America and Middle East & Africa are expected to hold considerable IVF market shares owing to their developing health care infrastructure which is subsequently increasing medical tourism in these regions for infertility treatment.

INDUSTRY KEY PLAYERS

Monash IVF, Pelargos IVF and Boston IVF, are Among Major Players Providing IVF TreatmentMonash IVF, Boston IVF and Pelargos IVF are some of the leading service providers of in vitro fertilization market. These companies offer IVF & ICSI treatment with comprehensive care provided by their highly qualified physicians and nursing staff which are primarily responsible for their popularity in the global market. On the other hand, companies like Bloom IVF Centre and Bangkok IVF center are focused in offering IVF treatment at a comparatively lower price that is subsequently up surging medical tourism in their clinics. Other treatment providers engaged in in vitro fertilization (IVF) market are Ovation Fertility, CMRE, Shady Grove Fertility and Group Ambroise Par Clinic.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES COVERED:

REPORT COVERAGE

The report presents a comprehensive assessment of the global in vitro fertilization (IVF) market by offering valuable insights, facts, industry-related information, and historical data. Several methodologies and approaches are adopted to make meaningful assumptions and views. Furthermore, the report offers a detailed analysis and information as per market segments, helping our readers to get a comprehensive overview of the global IVF market.

Report Scope & Segmentation

Segmentation

By Type

By Procedure

By End User

By Geography

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT:

July 2019: Shady Grove Fertility announced the opening of its new full service in vitro fertilization (IVF) center in Tampa, Florida

May 2019: Scientist of Monash IVF developed a new embryo screening test in order to reduce risk of miscarriage during IVF treatment

May 2019: NMC Health plc, acquired a majority of stake in Boston IVF with an aim to create the most diversified and experienced fertility network in the world.

Looking for more? Check out our repository for all available reports on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in related sectors.

Quick Read Table of Contents of this Report @ In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Type (Conventional IVF, and IVF with ICSI), By Procedure (Fresh Non-donor, Frozen Non-donor, Fresh Donor, and Frozen Donor), By End User (Hospitals, and Fertility Clinics) and Regional Forecast, 2019-2026 (Includes COVID-19 Business Impact)

Trusted Business InsightsShelly ArnoldMedia & Marketing ExecutiveEmail Me For Any ClarificationsConnect on LinkedInClick to follow Trusted Business Insights LinkedIn for Market Data and Updates.US: +1 646 568 9797UK: +44 330 808 0580

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Global in vitro fertilization (IVF) market size was USD 16.89 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 36.39 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR...

Embryology

The Department of Embryology Tackles Volume and Variety with Qumulo – AiThority

Qumulo, the leader in data-aware scale-out NAS, announced that the Department ofEmbryology at the Carnegie Institution for Sciencehas chosenQumulo Core to deliver the performance, scalability, and simplicity needed to keep pace with evolving research data requirements.

The Carnegie Institution for Science conducts an extensive range of pure scientific research, from earth science and biology to magnetism and astronomy. The Institutions Department of Embryology, established in 1913, is globally recognized for its innovative experimental studies, using molecular biology, genetic techniques, and animal models to investigate developmental processes from single-cell embryos to whole organisms research that has led to numerous scientific insights and three Nobel Prizes.

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Embryologys research data can be roughly divided into three categories: images collected from microscopes and other imaging systems, nucleotide sequencing data from next-generation sequencers, and the usual variety of common document files used to collect, report and present results. While document storage is relatively straightforward, the imaging and sequencing data present substantial challenges; data sets can consist of millions of kilobyte-sized files or dozens of hundred-gigabyte files. These files are accessed for processing and analysis from client computers running all of the major operating systems (Windows, Mac OSX, Linux).

Embryology had relied on an EMC/Isilon system as its primary storage. However, that system was approaching end-of-life, and a replacement became necessary to deal with the departments increasing demands for storage, performance, and capacity.

One of our major replacement criteria was finding a storage system that could bridge that file volume and variety, says Bill Kupiec, IT Manager for Carnegies Department of Embryology. It had to handle both the streaming needed for very large data sets and the fast processing required for millions of small files. That made locating a workable solution extremely challenging.

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Qumulo is the leader in data-aware scale-out NAS, delivering flexible, fast, and highly scalable storage together with the real-time analytics necessary for visibility into data usage. The combination provides the storage performance and scale the departments team wanted, packaged in a simple and affordable appliance architecture that leverages commodity hardware.

After an exhaustive search looking at more than a dozen vendors, that ability to combine performance, scalability, and simplicity won the day. The department selected Qumulos QC208 hybrid storage appliances, deploying a four-node, NFS, and SMB-based cluster with almost a petabyte of raw capacity.

With the Qumulo cluster in place, the departments challenge of maintaining system performance across file types and sizes has rapidly become a thing of the past.

Most storage vendors tout aggregate bandwidth, which isnt relevant to us, explained Mahmud Siddiqi, Microscopy Facility Manager for the Department of Embryology. We care about how quickly each client can get files back and forth from the storage system, or how it handles high volume from a metadata or directory standpoint. Virtually every storage system we looked at addressed our aggregate load, but all stumbled when pushed by a single client. Except for Qumulo.

The team found that the new Qumulo cluster was able to quickly traverse large directories, feed high file volumes, and easily deliver or ingest large streaming files.

When the team has needed help in configuring the system, theQumulo Care support has been a quick call or an easy Slack channel away. Our interaction with the Qumulo support team has been great, noted Kupiec. Its so refreshing to have multiple people quickly, knowledgeably, and pleasantly come together to help us sort issues.

The Qumulo team is helping to keep pace with this evolution through agile two-week software sprints that continually enhance the system and help ensure its always meeting the departments needs.

Our research organization falls between the cracks for most storage vendors, with giant imaging sets and millions of tiny genetic sequencing scraps. Finding a system that reasonably handled all our complex workflows was difficult, and in the end, only Qumulo was the right fit, concluded Kupiec.

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The Department of Embryology Tackles Volume and Variety with Qumulo - AiThority

Embryology

How having a ‘dad bod’ could affect your chances of becoming a father – Essential Baby

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Male belly fat reduces a man's chance of becoming a father by almost half, according to a new study.

The research, which was presented at the The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) conference last month, found that every 5cm increase in a man's middle section, reduced his partner's chances of having a baby by 9 per cent at each IVF attempt.

As part of the study, researchers tracked179 couples undergoing IVFduringJanuary 2019 atMassachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center. Men's and women's height, weight and waist circumference were all measured.

"These results suggest that central obesity may be an independent risk factor for male factor infertility," the researchers, led by Harvard Public Health concluded.

According to the team, belly fat produces a chemical that turns testosterone into the female sex hormone oestrogen.

Having a 'pot belly' was especially problematic, with researchers claiming it can reducea man's chances of producing offspring by 46 per cent.

Dr Fleur Cattrall, fertility specialist at Melbourne IVF, tells Essential Baby that while we already knewa man's weight could negatively affect sperm quality, "This study is important as it shows that the higher the man's waist circumference, the lower the chance of their partner becoming pregnant with IVF."

According to Dr Cattrall, often thefocus is on the femalepartner's pre-pregnancy health. In reality, however, "conception is a team effort".

"This study shows the importance of men optimising their health, particularly their weight prior to commencing IVF treatment to increase the chances of success," Dr Cattrall says.

"Sperm production actuallytakes about three months, so I like to remind men that the sperm they are producing today was actually made six weeks ago."

Dr Cattrall notes that this encourages men to plan ahead, "to limit their alcohol intake, boost their diet with fresh fruit and vegetables and to aim for optimalweightrange as this can help develophealthysperm."

And she says the findings are particularly topical amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Many couples are working from home, spending more time indoors so the potential to overeat is high," Dr Cattrall says.

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How having a 'dad bod' could affect your chances of becoming a father - Essential Baby

Embryology

More than 5000 babies born thanks to fertility treatments in Dubai – Khaleej Times

From 2014 to 2019, the Dubai Fertility Centre received 79,262 visits from couples.

Since the Dubai Fertility Centre (DFC) was established, more than 5,000 babies were born thanks to the treatments provided at the facility, the latest figures revealed. Its pregnancy rate had also gone up, reaching 67 per cent in the first quarter of the year and scoring above the international success rate of 45 per cent.

The centre, which is under the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), provides medical-assisted reproduction and fertility services and receives around 14,000 visits every year.

Hana Tahwara, director of the DFC, attributed the centre's success to the introduction of advanced fertilisation techniques and raising their work's efficiency. "This increased the centre's success rate in 2019 to 66 per cent compared to 38 per cent in 2013. Since the inception of the centre in 1991, 5,031 babies were born because of the centre's services and procedures."

From 2014 to 2019, the DFC received 79,262 visits from couples, out of which 63.6 per cent were Emiratis and 36.4 per cent were expats, Tahwara said.

Following Emiratis, the top nationalities who had been coming to the centre were from the GCC, other Arab countries, Asia, America, Africa, Australia/New Zealand, and Europe, respectively.

Many of its clients were also from abroad, travelling into the country specifically for the centre's services; thus, fulfilling the DHA's goal of bolstering medical tourism, Tahwara said.

"From 2014 to 2020, the centre performed 8,875 fertility procedures, 44,000 ultrasounds and 1,466 genetic screenings. The Dubai Fertility centre is one of the first fertility treament centres to begin providing testing services to detect genetic diseases in families that have a history of conditions such as thalassaemia or genetic abnormalities," she said.

"We also achieved a 71% success rate in embryo transfers in the first quarter of 2020 and 85 per cent success rate in freezing eggs in 2019."

In a span of five years, a total of 3,180 egg samples have been frozen. "Freezing services contribute to the treatment of delayed pregnancy and fertility problems by providing the opportunity for the couple to plan future pregnancies by using their frozen samples according to the country's laws and protocols."

This service, she explained, enables cancer patients to store their eggs before chemotherapy so that they can use it later after recovery.

Accreditation and services

The DFC has also become the first fertility centre in the region to successfully achieve a 'diamond-level' accreditation from the Accreditation Canada International (ACI) for Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Leadership standards. This is the highest level of accreditation awarded from ACI.

The centre also obtained a certificate of excellence for two years in a row from the Dubai Healthcare City Authority, and achieved first place, scoring 97.9 per cent and 99.29 per cent for quality assessment standards.

The Dubai Fertility Centre's services include:

> Major fertility processes: In vitro fertilisation (IVF), Intracytoplasmic sperm insemination (ICSI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), embryo transfer, ICSI for frozen eggs, ovulation induction, male infertility procedure such as Testicular Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( TESA) and Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration ( PESA), and embryology laboratory service.

> Gametes freezing services: freezing of semen, oocytes and embryos , and Genetic screening and diagnostic service including (DNA testing by PCR to diagnose a specific genetic disorder such as thalassemia or sickle cell anemia, Microarray DNA testing, Human leukocyte Antigen (HLA) matching, Next Generation sequencing (NGS).

> Gynaecology services and other operations services, this includes hysteroscopy and ultrasound services.

Staff Reporter

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More than 5000 babies born thanks to fertility treatments in Dubai - Khaleej Times

Embryology

RashaKelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation Makes It to the List of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020 – Sify News

https://100women.avancemedia.org/2020-honourees/RashaKelej has been recognized for her efforts through Merck Foundation programs to train thousands of African doctors, to support African communities during Coronavirus lockdown and to empower girls in education so that they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams through "Educating Linda" program. This is for the second time, as she made the 100 Most Influential Africans (women and men) in 2019 by New African Magazine, UK, for empowering women in general and infertile women in particular through the "Merck More Than a Mother" campaign, which is a historic movement that aims to empower childless and infertile women through access to information, education, and change of mind-sets.Dr. RashaKelej is very well respected in the African Communities at all levels and this for her dedication and passion to unleash the potential of young Africans and her coherent strategy and implementation of serious programs that shape the Public healthcare landscape in Africa positively. More than a thousand young doctors from 35 countries have benefited from unique opportunities of specialty education in many fields such as diabetes, cardiovascular, endocrinology, sexual and reproductive medicines, respiratory, acute medicines, oncology, fertility, embryology, and scientific research.Expressing gratitude on the recognition, Dr. RashaKelej emphasized, "I feel honored and proud to receive this recognition and to be included in this prestigious list among such renowned African women from all spheres of life. This is an important recognition not only for me but to Merck Foundation and our team. As an African and an Egyptian woman, I have a great passion for improving access to equitable and quality healthcare solutions for all Africans. I am very lucky to work as CEO of Merck Foundation as I am empowered by them to realize our unique vision through such successful pan African programs in partnership with African First Ladies, to contribute to the future of these girls as part of our signature campaign "Merck More Than a Mother". I strongly believe that empowering women starts with education, to enable them to be healthier, stronger, and independent.""This recognition will also encourage and motivate me to empower the talented girls of my beautiful continent. I promise to use my influence to support and empower women, support girl child education, and build healthcare capacity in Africa, Asia and beyond", added Dr. RashaKelej.The list has a representation of the most powerful African women from 34 countries, chosen from various career backgrounds including diplomacy, philanthropy, politics, activism, entrepreneurship, business leadership, and entertainment. It includes many famous names like; H. E. Monica Geingos, The First Lady of Namibia; H.E. Elene Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia, amongst others.Dr. RashaKelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and president of "Merck More Than a Mother" was recognized last year as one of most influential Africans in 2019 to acknowledge her efforts to empower infertile women through the historic campaign "Merck More Than a Mother".She has been able to work in long term partnerships with 18 African First Ladies as Ambassadors of Merck More Than a Mother to build local healthcare capacity, empower girls in education and break infertility stigma across the continent.RashaKelej Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelejRasha/RashaKelej Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rashakelejRashaKelej Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rasha_kelejFor more information on Merck Foundation, please visit: http://www.merck-foundation.comTo view the list of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020, please visit:https://100women.avancemedia.org/2020-honourees/This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)

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RashaKelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation Makes It to the List of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020 - Sify News

Embryology

Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation Makes It to the List of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020 – Outlook India

(Eds: Disclaimer: The following press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire India. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.) Mumbai, Maharashtra, India & Accra, Ghana Business Wire India Merck Foundation CEO, Rasha Kelej, featured in the list of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020, by Avance Media as part of Be a Girl Initiative for her efforts to build health care capacity in Africa and to empower girls in education to help them reach their potential and pursue their dreams.Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President, Merck More Than a Mother has been featured in the list of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020, released by Be a Girl Initiative, for the second time as she was selected to be One of Most Influential African Women by New African Magazine, UK, 2019.https://100women.avancemedia.org/2020-honourees/Rasha Kelej has been recognized for her efforts through Merck Foundation programs to train thousands of African doctors, to support African communities during Coronavirus lockdown and to empower girls in education so that they can reach their potential and pursue their dreams through Educating Linda program. This is for the second time, as she made the 100 Most Influential Africans (women and men) in 2019 by New African Magazine, UK, for empowering women in general and infertile women in particular through the Merck More Than a Mother campaign, which is a historic movement that aims to empower childless and infertile women through access to information, education, and change of mind-sets.Dr. Rasha Kelej is very well respected in the African Communities at all levels and this for her dedication and passion to unleash the potential of young Africans and her coherent strategy and implementation of serious programs that shape the Public healthcare landscape in Africa positively. More than a thousand young doctors from 35 countries have benefited from unique opportunities of specialty education in many fields such as diabetes, cardiovascular, endocrinology, sexual and reproductive medicines, respiratory, acute medicines, oncology, fertility, embryology, and scientific research.Expressing gratitude on the recognition, Dr. Rasha Kelej emphasized, I feel honored and proud to receive this recognition and to be included in this prestigious list among such renowned African women from all spheres of life. This is an important recognition not only for me but to Merck Foundation and our team. As an African and an Egyptian woman, I have a great passion for improving access to equitable and quality healthcare solutions for all Africans. I am very lucky to work as CEO of Merck Foundation as I am empowered by them to realize our unique vision through such successful pan African programs in partnership with African First Ladies, to contribute to the future of these girls as part of our signature campaign Merck More Than a Mother. I strongly believe that empowering women starts with education, to enable them to be healthier, stronger, and independent.This recognition will also encourage and motivate me to empower the talented girls of my beautiful continent. I promise to use my influence to support and empower women, support girl child education, and build healthcare capacity in Africa, Asia and beyond, added Dr. Rasha Kelej.The list has a representation of the most powerful African women from 34 countries, chosen from various career backgrounds including diplomacy, philanthropy, politics, activism, entrepreneurship, business leadership, and entertainment. It includes many famous names like; H. E. Monica Geingos, The First Lady of Namibia; H.E. Elene Sirleaf, Former President of Liberia, amongst others.Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and president of Merck More Than a Mother was recognized last year as one of most influential Africans in 2019 to acknowledge her efforts to empower infertile women through the historic campaign Merck More Than a Mother.She has been able to work in long term partnerships with 18 African First Ladies as Ambassadors of Merck More Than a Mother to build local healthcare capacity, empower girls in education and break infertility stigma across the continent. Rasha Kelej Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelejRasha/Rasha Kelej Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rashakelejRasha Kelej Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rasha_kelejFor more information on Merck Foundation, please visit: http://www.merck-foundation.comTo view the list of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020, please visit: https://100women.avancemedia.org/2020-honourees/To View the Image Click on the Link Below:Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation & President, Merck More Than a Mother; One of 100 Most Influential Africans 2019 & 2020 PWRPWR Disclaimer :- This story has not been edited by Outlook staff and is auto-generated from news agency feeds. Source: PTI More from Outlook Magazine

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Rasha Kelej, the CEO of Merck Foundation Makes It to the List of 100 Most Influential African Women 2020 - Outlook India

Embryology

4-H Gives Incarcerated Youth Freedom to Try Their Hands at Growing Vegetables – AgNet West

Youth up to 17 years of age who have been arrested or adjudicated for breaking the law are housed at juvenile detention facilities. In Sonora, while the young people are being detained, the staff at Mother Lode Regional Juvenile Detention Facility strive to create a safe environment for the residents to make positive changes in their lives.

To teach the youths about the food system, JoLynn Miller, UC Cooperative Extensions 4-H youth development advisor for Tuolumne County, and volunteers began visiting weekly in 2016 to help the residents develop a garden at the detention facility. With grants from a local community group, the youths have learned how to grow their own vegetables and prepare them to eat.

The youth enjoy the educational aspect of the 4-H program and are excited whenever we harvest a new vegetable, Edgar Ortega, juvenile corrections officer, wrote in a letter. When the vegetables are ready, some of the youth along with the help and supervision of the staff make a new culinary experience for their peers.

Bonnie Plants donated tomato, garlic, fava bean, onion and basil seedlings.Miller trained volunteers who work with youth at the facility in the same positive youth-development concepts that 4-H volunteers use in 4-H club activities.

The youth planned and built the raised beds using power drills, Miller said, acknowledging that it is rare for power tools to be allowed for use by residents in a detention facility. They worked with the correctional officers to install drip irrigation in the garden.

At the end of last season, Miller gave the residents a cooking lesson using green tomatoes and basil from the garden. We made fried green tomatoes and pesto, she said.

We sincerely appreciate the efforts 4-H volunteers provide to enrich the lives of all youth in our community, said Dan Hawks, chief probation officer in Sonora.Not only do these projects provide real-world, hands-on instruction and skills to incarcerated youth, but it also provides them with an opportunity to reap the rewards of their own efforts.There is no lesson that can match the sense of accomplishment youth realize when they are able to harvest and consume crops they planted and tended themselves.

Lessons include mindfulness

In addition to teaching the residents gardening and cooking, Miller provided their teacher and staff with other 4-H curriculum, including mindfulness.

The mindfulness program helps the youth develop coping skills and become more cognitively aware of themselves and their surroundings, Ortega said in his letter. The youth are open-minded about the different techniques and lessons of the program and, at times, I catch them practicing the different mindfulness technique on their own. I know the mindfulness program is great for our youth because in their own home environments they dont always have a role model to teach them proper coping skills.

The garden wasnt an instant success. Using seeds Miller found in the UC Cooperative Extension office, their first lesson was persistence despite delayed satisfaction. We tried for two summers to grow in the garden beds and not even zucchini would grow. The placement was bad, she said. The plants needed more sun.

Community group funds garden

The 4-H advisor and the youths began seeking funding to buy supplies for the project. With some coaching from Miller, the youths applied for a grant from Farms of Tuolumne County, which advertised a total of $1,500 to be split between awardees.

The youth came up with a budget to build the beds of their dreams, but it was $2,200, Miller said. They asked for it anyway, knowing they may only get enough money to build one bed. Because residents are not allowed to leave the juvenile correctional facility, the Farms of Tuolumne County Board of Directors visited the facility to hear the teenagers present their vision for the garden project. Impressed, the board gave them the full $2,200 requested.

The Farms of Tuolumne County Board of Directors admires the enthusiasm of the young people who are part of this garden project, the dedication of the staff, and the hard work and commitment of JoLynn Miller, said Marian Zimmerly, FOTC chief financial officer. The board believes this project can be a positive influence on the young people who find themselves in the facility. FOTC is honored to lend its support.

Like many community groups, Farms of Tuolumne County is suffering financially during the coronavirus pandemic, yet approved another $750 for the garden and other 4-H agriculture projects at Mother Lode Regional Juvenile Detention Facility, saying, The FOTC Board of Directors continues to view the garden project at the Juvenile Detention Center as very worthy of support.

Participants appreciate lessons

The residents have expressed their appreciation to the 4-H program. Thx for everything you showed us, one resident wrote to Miller and her 4-H volunteers. Ive learned a lot since I first got here. I learned how to farm, make compose [sic] and a whole other bunch of stuff. I was never really interested in gardening until I came here. I really wanna learn more about gardening.

Despite the constraints caused by the pandemic, Miller plans to continue the 4-H partnership with Mother Lode Regional Juvenile Correctional Facility on the garden project and other agricultural educational activities.

As the pandemic began, Miller was given permission to use Zoom to deliver embryology lessons and science experiments using eggs. She is projected onto a big screen in a meeting room while the officer on duty walks around the room with an iPad, using its camera and microphone to connect her with the students at different tables doing experiments such as egg dissection and testing egg strength.

She was allowed to bring five-week-old chicks into the facility to let the youth see, touch and hold them as a capstone to the project. Miller plans to continue meeting with the youths via Zoom to discuss projects and drop off approved project supply kits for them to use.

Wed like to finalize a project we started last fall where we brought in baby goats, Miller said. Theyve since been harvested, and we want to have our UC Cooperative Extension nutrition, family, consumer sciences advisor Katie Johnson provide a nutrition lesson with the residents making goat tacos.

As time permits, officers take the youths outside to water plants and harvest crops in the garden.

4-H services are a priceless resource

I feel the programs and workshops provided by 4-H services are a priceless resource to the youth of our facility, wrote William Neilsen, senior juvenile corrections officer. It allows us to diversify programing and provide hands-on and -off educational opportunities within our facility that teach the youth about agricultural resources otherwise unavailable to the youth here. These programs inherently teach the youth responsibility and life skills and the youth gain a wealth of knowledge from these services.

Additionally, I strongly believe there is a therapeutic resource provided to staff and youth alike. As we progress forward, I am happy and excited in the continued partnership we have with the UCCE 4-H program of Tuolumne County.

Ortega added, 4-H provides the youth an opportunity to develop life skills that will transition to their own home environments.

By Pamela Kan-Rice

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4-H Gives Incarcerated Youth Freedom to Try Their Hands at Growing Vegetables - AgNet West

Embryology

Relationship status and BMI used to determine access to IVF – BioNews

17 August 2020

Relationship status and body mass index (BMI), are being used to restrict people's access to NHS-funded fertility treatment.

A report, published by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), has outlined the policies of England's 135 Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) for fertility services. They discovered that 24 CCGs require patients to be in a 'stable relationship' and that BMI restrictions for women exist across almost all CCGs (96 percent), with 24 percent also restricting on the basis of male BMI.

'Access to any form of healthcare should be rooted in clinical evidence', Dr Marta Jansa Perez, director of embryology at BPAS, told iNews, 'Sadly, this report demonstrates that for most patients in need of fertility treatment, this is simply not the case.'

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) state in fertility guidelines that women under 40 should be offered three cycles of IVF and women between 40-42 should be offered one cycle, a recommendation guided by cost and clinical effectiveness. They do not mention relationship status and only advise that men and women 'should be informed' of the risks to infertility associated with obesity or low body weight in women and obesity in men.

CCGs do not have to follow NICE recommendations, and there is significant regional variation in fertility funding, leading to a 'postcode lottery' where access to IVF is determined by where you live.

Some CCGs require proof of a 'stable relationship' by longevity, specifying couples should be together for at least two years. Others require evidence of long-term cohabitation or 'financial interdependence'.

Single women and women in same-sex female couples must use six to 12 cycles of artificial insemination to determine infertility, in alignment with NICE guidelines. But the majority (54 percent) of CCGs do not provide any funding for this process and 20 percent set a minimum length of time these cycles must occur.

The widespread denial of treatment based on female or male BMI is not backed up by evidence provided by NICE. Four CCGs require BMI is maintained for six months prior to treatment, a further barrier to IVF access.

BPAS conclude that withholding fertility services has 'real consequences' for patients and the health service. As well as experiencing psychological harm, patients unable to access fertility treatment in the UK often travel abroad for care. This is associated with higher rates of multiple births, the single biggest risk to mother and baby.

'Reform in this area is long overdue,' said Dr Emily Scott, founder of IVF Fairness, 'IVF Fairness stands with BPAS in urging policy makers at a local and national level to finally take action, for the sake of fair and equal access to reproductive health services and in genuflection to the governing principles on which our National Health Service is founded.'

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Relationship status and BMI used to determine access to IVF - BioNews

Embryology

Praxis Media Group and Global Brands network announces winners of the National Healthcare Excellence Awards, 2020 and Indias Top 50 Healthcare, 2020…

New Delhi [India], Aug 17 (ANI/BusinessWire India): Praxis Media in association with Healthcare Leaders announced the prestigious National Healthcare Excellence Awards on August 15, 2020 to celebrate and honor more than 30 winners at 5 different levels for epitomizing strength, ingenuity, knowledge and foresight for the growth of the healthcare sector with vision and inspiration. Winners of Indias Top 50 Healthcare, 2020 were also declared by the Global Brands Network.These awards are announced each year to identify, celebrate and encourage excellence in healthcare and medicine. The endeavor is to recognize and reward quality excellence, innovative initiatives and exemplary work in the healthcare Sector in a spectacular style. The exacting and daunting feat of zeroing-in on the winners is achieved by the Praxis Media Group, with support from its associates and partners, after an elaborate and meticulous selection process which included inviting nominations from potential nominees, substantial research and surveys, collation of feedback and opinions, screening based on judging parameters and subsequently choosing the winners through an independent jury panel.The significant parameters which were considered for selecting the winners included Qualification & Professional Experience, Infrastructure & Facilities, Market Presence & Competition, Growth & Profitability, Quality & Operational Excellence, Financial & Business Acumen, Innovation & Novelty in Services, Ingenuity and Imagination, Sustainability & Environmental Awareness, Job & Impact Potential, Client/Customer & Industry Feedback, Use of Technology & Trends, Efforts for Risk & Setback Mitigation, Previous Awards & Achievements etc.National Healthcare Excellence Awards and Indias Top 50 Healthcare are an initiative of Praxis Media Group which are designed to recognize excellence and showcase the outstanding work by healthcare professionals. It intends to celebrate the trailblazing people and organizations that make our healthcare system more skilled, more compassionate and more equitable.These awards are not limited to medical professionals, but also aims at acknowledging the outstanding services and commitment from those involved in administration, staffing, consultation, product development, laboratory services as well as those supplying peripheral services that acts as the backbone of the healthcare sector.These awards, as a hallmark of excellence are not only a defining moment for the winners, but also intend to inspire others towards bigger and better achievements.The initiative was well supported by Healthcare Leaders Brand Partner, The Pharma Times Online Media Partner, Health Vision Magazine Partner, Global Brands Network Associate Partner and Lawspective Consulting LLP Knowledge Partner who echoed the same objective of healthcare excellence.A comprehensive list of winners of the National Healthcare Excellence Awards, 2020:Dr. Ankita Bhargava Most Promising Endocrine Dietitian in Bengaluru, Homoeopathic & Lifestyle Clinic Best Homoeopathic Clinic in Delhi & NCR, Dr. Indrajeet Kumar Tiwary Best Gastrointestinal and Liver Transplant Intensivist in Eastern India, Dr. Achyut Trivedi Best Consultant Neuropsychiatrist in Rajasthan, Dr. Jasjit Singh Best Hospital Administrator of the Year, Dt. Chaitali Mondal Best Nutrition Consultant in West Bengal, Dr. P.C. Jagadeesh Best Orthopaedic Surgeon in Karnataka, Dr. Abhishek Massey Best Consultant Physiotherapist in Delhi, Dr. Neha Nasa Best Dentist in Patient Care and Treatment in Gurgaon, Plexus Neuro and Stem Cell Research Centre Best Centre for Stem Cell Therapy in India, 2020, Dr. Premkumar Balachandran Excellence in Hernia Surgery and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, Dr. Lokesh Jain Healthcare Leader of the Year, Dr. Manish Jain Best Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeon in Rajasthan, Dr. VijaitaSyngle Best Obesity Medicine Doctor of the Year, Manorama Infosolutions Private Limited Best Healthcare IT Application Company in India, Ziva Embryology and Fertility Institute Best Fertility Centre in Telangana, Ziva Embryology and Fertility Institute Best Embryology Training Institute in India, Androcare Andrology & Mens Health Institute Best Male Fertility Centre in India, Operon Biotech and Healthcare Best In-Vitro Diagnostic Company in Karnataka, Mr. Navdeep Kanwer Best Consultant Audiologist in Punjab, Swasth Bhoomi Private Limited Healthcare Start-Up of the Year, Sidana Dental Care Best Dental Clinic in Mohali, Dr. KedarBakshi Most Promising Dentist in Maharashtra, Dr. Smita Sanjay Deorukhkar Best Alternate Medicine Practitioner in Western India, Dr. Sunil Kumar Singh Best Oral Implantologist in Azamgarh, SAAOL Heart Center Best Heart Care Centre in Delhi & NCR, Bhrigu Sons Pharmaceuticals Award for the Pharmaceutical Brand of the Year, Dr. Uday DattaramTalwadker Best Dentist in Goa, Dr. Jagdish Shinde Best Radiation Oncologist in Maharashtra, Osho Medicare Best Ayurvedic Kidney Speciality Clinic in Gujarat.Dr. Rushda Riaz Best Gynaecologist in North India and Dr. Monga Ayurvedic Medi Clinic Private Limited Best Ayurveda Treatment Clinic in New Delhi were the exclusive winners of Indias Top 50 Healthcare Leaders in 2020.The Founder-Director of the media group, Mrs. Swagateeka Patel Singh congratulated all the winners and said that each winner has exemplified excellence and typifies the very best of healthcare practices and ethics. The National Healthcare Excellence Awards, 2020 are a small token of appreciation from Praxis Media to all these inspirational individuals and organization.These recognitions will further strengthen their ability to steer their objective through turbulent times, apply the best of the professional modules to manage and keep their missions afloat.This story is provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/BusinessWire India)

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Praxis Media Group and Global Brands network announces winners of the National Healthcare Excellence Awards, 2020 and Indias Top 50 Healthcare, 2020...

Embryology

Mother’s partner not legal parent of donor-conceived child – BioNews

17 August 2020

'Appalling' planning between a lesbian couple and the man who acted as the sperm donor has resulted in a missed opportunity for the mother's partner to become a legal parent.

High Court Judge, Mr Justice O'Hara, declined to grant a parental order after criticising the lack of any agreements in regard to the role of the biological father in the child's life.

'It is appalling that the planning between the adults for something so important and long-lasting was so inadequate,' Justice O'Harasaidin his judgment. 'People put more care into arranging a holiday than these three adults did for [the child].'

In 2014 R and A,who at the time were not married or in a civil partnership, agreed to co-parent a child. P provided sperm with which R conceived a baby, C, who was born later the same year.

R was listed on the birth certificate as the child's mother and only parent. P willingly surrendered all parental responsibilities, but he argued that it had been agreed he would have some contact and at least one visit after the child's birth. R and A disagreed as no agreement had been drawn up and felt he should have no right to contact as he is not C's father in any legally recognised way.

R and A are now civil partners and wished for A to be added to C's birth certificate as a second mother. They argued that although P 'provided the gamete by which fertilisation occurred', he was not the natural father of C, and the two women were the child's only natural parents. The couple claimed that refusal would be discriminatory and that C was born when they were in a long-standing relationship which should be recognised officially.

The couple's request was opposed by P, the Department of Finance, the UK Secretary of State for Health, and the Attorney General.

In hisjudgment, Justice O'Hara explained that A does not meet the requirements of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008 for legal parenthood, as they did not use a licensed clinic for treatment and they only entered a civil partnership after C's birth.

He ruled that 'Ms A is not and cannot be the natural parent of C. Had she and Ms R taken one of the routes open to them, they could have become the recognised legal parents. By failing to do so they have lost that opportunity, at least so far as Ms A is concerned.'

Justice O'Haraexplained that although he would not grant a parental order, there were other ways that A could legally recognise her relationship with C: 'In particular, orders can be made giving her parental responsibility and shared residence which, in the circumstances of this case, are likely to be long-lasting in their effect since Mr P isn't seeking anything more than some form of contact'.

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Mother's partner not legal parent of donor-conceived child - BioNews