Fertility Support Community to hold PCOS Seminar on September 24th

Fertility Support Community (FSC), an NGO working on fertility awareness and advocacy on common conditions that causes infertility in the Maldives, is set to resume their advocacy programs with PCOS Awareness Seminar 2025.

September is observed worldwide as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month. It is a month dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of this common endocrine and metabolic condition that impacts women and girls of reproductive age.

FCS’s PCOS Awareness Seminar will be held at the Maldives National University Business School Auditoriums on September 24^th from 16:00pm to 18:00pm.

The Seminar will feature a professional panel discussion by health experts who will shed light on ‘Understanding and Managing PCOS’. The panelists in this regard include:

• Dr. Mohamed Siruhan, Consultant Physician & Endocrinologist at IGMH, Eve Clinic & Tree Top Hospital
• Dr. Leena Saleem – Consultant, Obstretics & Gynecology at ADK Hospital
• Dr. Anita Gour – Leading Infertility Specialist at Tree Top Hospital Fertility Centre
• Aishath Shifana Wajyh – CEO of Heat Health & Fitness & ACE Certified Personal Trainer
• Mariyam Thaima Mohamed Usham – Dietitian from IGMH & Senahiya

This year’s PCOS Seminar is being held in collaboration with several partners, including Salon Femina, The Wellness Club (operated by Heat Health & Fitness), Shafi’a Health Institute, and ADK Hospital. To encourage participation, the seminar will feature giveaways such as three laser hair removal sessions at ADK Hospital for one attendee, and facial treatment packages from Salon Femina for three individuals.

The Fertility Support Community (FSC) continues to raise concerns about the general lack of public awareness regarding PCOS, a concern supported by limited available data. According to information gathered through FSC’s membership applications, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the leading cause of infertility in the Maldives.

“PCOS is a lifelong condition that deserves greater public attention. Early diagnosis, especially during the teenage years, enables healthcare providers to offer tailored treatment based on symptoms, family planning goals, and the patient’s age,” said Asha Hussain, Founder of FSC.

Notably, FSC is also set to hold their second Fundraising Gala Dinner,  ‘A Night of Hope II’, to mark World Fertility Day on November 29^th. Locals interested in participating can apply to participate in the gala via this link.

FDC’s IVF Fund Grant launched in 2023 with the aim of helping couples in need of financial support for assisted reproductive treatment has helped over three couples to receive IVF treatment in India.

Infertility is an increasing global issue. According to the World Health Organization, it affects millions of individuals, impacting not only their lives but also their families and communities. It is estimated that around one in six people of reproductive age worldwide will experience infertility at some point in their lives.