Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) 2022 Congress
The 2022 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) put delegates from 43 countries at the vanguard of scientific research and medical practice in the diagnosis and treatment of human infertility.
Presented in virtual format because of on-going COVID-19 issues, the Congress from 28 April to 1 May especially showcased latest developments in medically assisted reproduction in the Asia Pacific region.
According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 48 million couples and 186 million individuals of reproductive age are living with infertility, which is defined as the failure to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse or the inability to carry pregnancy to a live birth. The causes of infertility are equally experienced among males and females.
This issue is of critical importance as fertility rates in many parts of the world have fallen below population replacement levels with immense social and economic consequences as this century unfolds.
The 11th ASPIRE Congress featured expert speakers from 28 countries addressing cutting edge reproductive research, embryology and clinical treatments for infertility.
In a joint statement ASPIRE President, Professor Tin-Chiu Li, and Congress Scientific Committee Chair, Professor Budi Wiweko, said a primary focus was improving access to and standards of patient care in medically assisted reproduction in the culturally diverse Asia Pacific region.
“ASPIRE is a relatively young, but dynamic society of scientists, doctors, nurses and counsellors dedicated to excellence in delivering best practice to help infertile people achieve their hopes of parenthood,” they said.
An initial focus of the ASPIRE 2022 Congress was on advances in specialities including male infertility, embryology, reproductive endocrinology and surgery, endometriosis and issues relating to the endometrium and embryo implantation.
Main program highlights included an enlightening exploration of global data on assisted reproductive technology and a focus on creating policy changes in societies where the impacts of infertility are not fully recognised.
Presentations covered new developments in fertility preservation for adults and adolescents facing cancer treatments, the impacts of the COVID-19 virus on reproductive health, ethical, legal and social aspects of gene editing, cross border reproductive care, management of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and the transition to telemedicine to improve access and affordability for people experiencing infertility.
“A linking theme throughout the meeting was on patient empowerment through assisted reproductive technology and fertility related services, Professors Tin-Chiu Li and Budi Wiweko said.
“Our aim is to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience among ASPIRE members with outcomes that will positively influence medically assisted reproduction globally.
“Apart from our annual Congress, ASPIRE supports this process through a series of regional and special interest group meetings, master classes, webinars and certificate courses.
“ASPIRE’s membership base is growing in numbers and dimension as we reach out to a broader base of health care professionals, including reproductive nurses and counsellors.”
An important aspect of the ASPIRE Congress is the presentation of awards to young researchers to help advance their careers along with exchange programs to share their work with members of other peak fertility organisations around the world.
Recipients of awards this year are featured on the ASPIRE Congress website www.aspire-2022.com
Full recordings from the scientific program are also available for 2022 registrants on the virtual Congress platform.
Interview:
Professors Tin-Chiu Li and Budi Wiweko are available for interview.
To arrange, please contact Trevor Gill, ASPIRE 2022 Congress Media Relations.
Tel: (Australia) 0418 821948 email: lighthousepr@adelaide.on.net