Global leaders in assisted reproduction are heading to the Philippines for a conference that will explore new boundaries in treating the estimated one in six couples experiencing infertility.

The 2024 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in Manila will focus on latest advances in in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies to help those living with infertility to achieve their dreams of parenthood.

Infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after a year of unprotected intercourse, or the inability to carry pregnancies to a live birth. The causes of infertility are equally shared between male and female partners.

The Congress at the Philippine International Convention Centre from 23 to 26 May will also advance strategies to arrest an alarming decline in fertility rates that pose future social and economic threats to many countries in the region.

ASPIRE is a unique task force of clinicians and scientists involved in the management of fertility and assisted reproductive technology (ART). It represents over twenty countries throughout the Asia Pacific region, and it is dedicated to improving knowledge and awareness of fertility issues.
Manila-based fertility specialist, Professor Virgilio Novero, said the Congress would attract over 1,000 delegates and be inclusive of all professions in reproductive health with a diverse scientific program revolving around the theme Pearls of Wisdom in Reproductive Medicine: Towards Personalisation and Improving Access.
The Congress will showcase new research and clinical practice in the Asia Pacific with outcomes that will help shape the future of assisted conception internationally.

“The Congress will address issues relating to more equitable and affordable access to fertility treatments and personalisation of care, especially in lower socio-economic settings,” Professor Novero said.

“It will ensure lively interaction between scientists and clinicians, along with fertility nurses and midwives, male infertility urologists, counsellors and clinic administrators, while showcasing the emerging abilities of young people in our field in the ASPIRE Young Investigator Awards.”

Professor Novero, Past President of the Philippine Society of the Reproductive Medicine, said the Congress would feature outstanding international and local speakers addressing issues including:
• the fertility landscape in the Asia Pacific region;
• the future of surgery in assisted reproductive technology;
• fertility preservation for young and old;
• social egg freezing;
• embryo selection;
• endometriosis and infertility;
• menopause management;
• new horizons in reproductive genetics;
• artificial intelligence in clinical IVF;
• male infertility – past, present and future; and
• psychosocial support for patients undergoing treatment.

For further information, go to the Congress website www.aspire2024.com

INTERVIEW
To arrange an interview with Professor Virgilio Novero, please contact Trevor Gill, ASPIRE Congress Media Relations, by e-mail at lighthousepr@adelaide.on.net

MEDIA ATTENDANCE
Media representatives wishing to attend the Congress should contact Trevor Gill at lighthousepr@adelaide.on.net to arrange accreditation.

2024 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE)
Media Release, Monday 20 May 2024