Latest advances in the treatment of human infertility, which the World Health Organisation says affects 48 million couples and 186 million individuals globally, is about to come into sharp focus in the Asia Pacific region.
The 11th Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) from 29 April to 1 May will link scientists, clinicians, nurses and counsellors from more than 100 countries to address the physical and psychological obstacles facing couples striving for parenthood.
The Congress will showcase new research and clinical practice in the Asia Pacific, which is home to 60 per cent of the world’s population, with outcomes that will help shape the future of assisted conception internationally.
Among the key topics to be addressed in the online Congress format will be the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on fertility and the challenges of access to and affordability of infertility treatment, particularly in low and middle income countries.
Infertility 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 shared among male and female partners.
ASPIRE President, Professor Tin-Chiu Li, said the scientific program and clinical sessions of the 2022 Congress would “address and dissect current best practices and cutting edges in reproductive medicine, including IVF.”
He added: “An excellent line up of international experts will present vital information and updates that can be applied for the benefit of patients in daily practice around the world.”
The on-line Congress will explore latest global data on outcomes of assisted reproductive technology, including IVF, fertility preservation in cancer patients, and the future of miscarriage care.
Among other program highlights will be courses on male infertility, embryology, reproductive surgery, endometriosis, reproductive endocrinology and endometrium and implantation.
Hong Kong-based Professor Tin-Chiu Li said ASPIRE’s mission was to improve knowledge and awareness of assisted reproductive technology and infertility-related services, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of patient care in the Asia Pacific.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many unknowns and among the key sessions at the ASPIRE Congress will be sustainable assisted reproductive treatment in the changing world and the post pandemic approach in fertility management,” he said.
“ASPIRE has also been working on the issue of cross border reproductive care to identify knowledge gaps and to work towards applying uniform quality in assisted conception in the region.
“Apart from the active participation of thousands of expert registrants, the ASPIRE Congress also features important scientific exchange programs with other world bodies including the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.”
The Congress will be featured in virtual format because of international travel restrictions related to the pandemic.
“The ASPIRE 2021 Congress in May was also in virtual format with the participation of 7,769 fertility specialists from 116 countries, and we expect to build on that success in our on-line meeting in 2022,” Professor Tin-Chiu Li said.
For more information on the ASPIRE 2022 Congress, go to www.aspire-2022.com
Interview:
Professor Tin-Chiu Li is available for interview. To arrange, please contact Trevor Gill, ASPIRE 2022 Congress Media Relations.
Tel: (Australia) 0418 821948 email: lighthousepr@adelaide.on.net