Media Release

Udupi, Apr 5: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), hosted an IVF Embryology training programme in collaboration with Merck Foundation, Germany, with the aim to change societal attitudes towards infertility.

The programme was targeted at doctors from Africa, who received certification of having completed training in advanced in-vitro fertilization techniques, at an event held yesterday.

Dr H S Ballal, pro-chancellor of MAHE addressed the clinicians and embryologists gathered and pointed out the utmost importance of spreading awareness about the equal contribution of both male and female factors in infertility. He lauded Merck and KMC Manipal for their efforts in this aspect as well as in training people from various parts of the world.

Dr Hildagarda Aloyce from Tanzania said, “KMC not only trained us in technique but also taught us how learning is a continuous process and constant practicing makes it perfect. The skills attained here will help us in improving every aspect of IVF treatment in our countries.”

Dr Matthew Ndegwa from Kenya further emphasized the importance of ethical practice, patience, and proper techniques in enhancing the outcome of fertility treatment, which he found to be very well addressed in his training at Manipal.

Dr Sharath Rao, pro vice chancellor, MAHE, said “The embryology training program in Manipal is considered the best in the country and MAHE takes pride in extending the training globally through Merck Foundation.

Dr Satish Adiga, the coordinator of the training programme, said “We have trained over one hundred clinicians and scientists from across the globe and they are extremely successful in their profession today.”

Venu Nair, vice president of Merck Foundation, congratulated the doctors and motivated them to use the expertise gained in Manipal to address the shortcomings present in infertility treatments back home. The Dean of KMC Manipal Dr Padmaraj Hegde and director of International Affairs Dr Karunakar Kotegar were also present at the event.

The training programme is jointly offered by MAHE and Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA, Germany. Merck Foundation aims to strengthen healthcare resources in Africa by connecting the continent to other countries. Through their partnership with India, Merck Foundation seeks to scale up fertility care capacity in Africa and other developing nations.