Prenatal Screening and Diagnostics · Review

Advancing assisted reproductive technology in Africa: a narrative review on the promising role of molecular biology and molecular techniques

Reproductive Health · July 23, 2026

Expert Guidance Why this matters to you Expert discussion

A consensus or society position rather than new primary data.

AI Summary

This is a narrative review surveying the potential of molecular biology techniques—including PGT, NIPT, CRISPR/Cas9, MRT, and single-cell RNA sequencing—to advance ART across Africa by enhancing embryo selection, reducing genetic risk, and improving pregnancy outcomes. The review identifies barriers (cost, infrastructure, access, awareness) and recommends phased integration of these innovations within appropriate regulatory, ethical, and policy frameworks, rather than reporting efficacy data.

What was studied

Narrative review. Individuals and couples affected by infertility in Africa. Africa.

Key findings

Techniques such as PGT, NIPT, CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, MRT, and single-cell RNA sequencing are described as offering opportunities to enhance embryo selection and improve pregnancy success rates Biomarker discovery, liquid biopsy, and genomic screening are highlighted as tools to personalize treatment strategies Persistent barriers to ART in Africa include high costs, limited access, inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness, and sociocultural and ethical concerns

Safety

Safety was not reported in the material analysed. Check the source before drawing any conclusion about harm.

Who this may help

This review is intended to inform policymakers, researchers, and reproductive health professionals in Africa on the strategic integration of molecular innovations in ART. It does not provide efficacy evidence for specific interventions but rather a framework for prioritizing investment and implementation within the region's infrastructure and ethical context.

Plain-language summary

A narrative review synthesizing evidence and recommendations on integrating molecular techniques into ART in Africa, addressing policy, infrastructure, and implementation rather than reporting original trial data.

Study design

As stated by the source record.

MethodsNarrative review

SettingAfrica

Clinical bottom line

Caveats

No original data, efficacy metrics, or comparative effect sizes are reported
No systematic review methodology or critical appraisal of included evidence
Lacks evidence on cost-effectiveness or implementation outcomes of the recommended techniques in African settings
Does not quantify the magnitude of benefit from individual molecular techniques or address which barriers are most limiting in different African regions

Evidence assessment

Graded across the dimensions that decide whether you should act, each from what the source actually supports. There is no single score, and where a dimension was not assessed it says so.

Study design

limited

Narrative review; no systematic methodology or protocol stated.

Directness

moderate

Addresses ART outcomes and molecular techniques in African context; focused on barriers and opportunities rather than efficacy trials.

Consistency

insufficient

Source does not compare or reconcile conflicting findings across studies.

Risk of bias

insufficient

Narrative format; no explicit bias assessment or quality appraisal of included sources.

Sample adequacy

insufficient

Not applicable to narrative review; no original data collection or sample sizes reported.

What is missing. This record has no reported figures. That is a gap in the analysis, not a judgement about the study.

Source abstract

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) has significantly improved fertility outcomes globally, yet its full potential remains underutilized. In Africa, persistent barriers including high costs, limited access, inadequate infrastructure, lack of awareness, and sociocultural and ethical concerns impedes its utility. This review explores the promising role of molecular biology and advanced molecular techniques in overcoming these challenges and advancing ART on the continent. Techniques such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, mitochondrial replacement therapy (MRT), and single-cell RNA sequencing offer opportunities to enhance embryo selection, minimize genetic and epigenetic risks, and improve pregnancy success rates. Furthermore, innovations like biomarker discovery, liquid biopsy, and genomic screening can personalize treatment strategies and improve reproductive outcomes. We also provide a narrative on the progress made in expanding ART services, improving affordability through low-cost protocols, and building local expertise through training and collaborations. While challenges persist, especially in regulation and access to ART, the integration of molecular innovations in a phased manner has the potential to transform ART if implemented within appropriate infrastructural, ethical, and policy frameworks. This review underscores the need for sustained investment, policy reform, and interdisciplinary collaboration to bridge existing gaps and ensure that ART technologies are accessible, safe, and effective for all individuals and couples affected by infertility in the region.

Follow from this

Taken from the source record, never inferred. Follow any of these and new work involving them reaches your briefing.

Prenatal Screening and DiagnosticsF KyeiBenjamin NyarkoClement NapoKwadwo FosuEmmanuel Opoku AsanteCollins Nabawo