Sun signs as media partner for gala dinner to raise funds for IVF

Sun Media Group (SMG) has signed as media partner for a gala dinner organized by local NGO, Fertility Support Community (FSC), to raise funds to aid people who require IVF treatment.

The 'A Night of Hope' gala dinner will be held at Meeruma Hall on Wednesday, November 2, in conjunction with World Fertility Day.

SMG’s CEO Ibrahim Khaleel and FSC’s President Asha Hussain signed a partnership agreement for the gala dinner on Monday.

According to FSC, the gala dinner is open to invited guests, and ticket holders.

The tickets are sold out, said the NGO.

At the gala dinner, FSC will launch its IVF Fund.

FSC said the biggest goal of setting up the fund is to support people with fertility issues who have no other course of treatment available except for IVF, but are unable to take IVF treatment due to financial constraints.

FSC’s Executive Director Aishath Mihna told Sun the organization hopes to support at least one couple seek IVF treatment each year.

She said the organization will support additional couple based on the funds the organization is able to raise.

FSC notes that infertility continues to be a taboo topic in Maldives.

“It’s one of the biggest goals of this community to change that perspective, increase public awareness, and encourage people to seek effective treatment,” said FSC.

FSC also conducts research to assess the extent of fertility issues in Maldives and the obstacles to fertility.

Statistics released by FSC in September following a survey show the biggest cause for fertility issues among its members is Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other issues include endometriosis, miscarriages, and male factor infertility.