KZN is set to introduce its first public in vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme, giving couples struggling with infertility access to fertility treatment through the provincial health system.

According to The Witness, KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane announced during the provincial Health Department’s budget speech that the programme will begin at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban in October.

The announcement marks a major step for couples who previously had limited options due to the high cost of private fertility treatment or the need to travel to other provinces for publicly available services.

A 2025 case study found that only about 10% of South Africa’s estimated need for medically assisted reproduction is currently being met, with researchers highlighting limited access, unequal provincial services and affordability challenges as key barriers.

Simelane said KZN was now joining provinces such as Gauteng, the Free State and the Eastern Cape in offering specialised fertility services within the public health sector.

“For too long, couples in KZN requiring fertility treatment had little choice but to seek prohibitively expensive private healthcare,” she said.

The province has committed R30m towards specialised equipment for the programme, which will initially provide more than 150 IVF treatment cycles annually.

The unit will be supported by a multidisciplinary team, including specialised nurses and embryologists.

The department is currently finalising eligibility criteria and referral pathways that patients will need to follow to access the service.

The KZN programme will join a limited number of public-sector IVF facilities in South Africa, including those at Groote Schuur Hospital, Tygerberg Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Universitas Hospital and Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital.

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