FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – The Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki, Ebonyi State has become the first tertiary health institution in the South East to successfully conduct In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, resulting in the delivery of triplets.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Robinson Onoh, announced this milestone during the unveiling of the triplets to journalists at the hospital premises.
The triplets, two boys and a girl, weighing 1.8 kg, 2.2 kg, and 1.7 kg respectively, were delivered through caesarean section after their mother experienced conception difficulties for seven years.
According to Professor Onoh, this success followed the establishment of an IVF and embryo transfer centre equipped with advanced technology, including a specialized embryology machine and a multi-part incubator.
He said the hospital recorded a remarkable 70% success rate in its first batch of cases, which included the triplets, twin pregnancies, and singleton births.
We aim to achieve a 100% success rate with the commencement of a new batch of cases this week,” The Chief Medical Director stated.
The Director of the IVF Centre at AEFUTHA, Professor Brown Ejikeme, assured that IVF has no known side effects, with cases already booked up to December this year.
Consultant Gynaecologist and IVF Coordinator, Dr. Okechukwu Mbanefo, praised the hospital management for equipping the centre with cutting-edge technology for ovary manipulation. “This achievement is a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing world-class fertility services,” Mbanefo said.
The ground breaking feat was celebrated by the hospital community, with prayers and praises, while social welfare workers showered assorted gifts to the newborns.
Signed
LAURETTA BAKARE
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
4/6/2025
