From blame to belonging: Social and behavior change strategies to address infertility-related stigma in sub-Saharan Africa

Infertility-related stigma remains a significant yet often overlooked issue in sexual and reproductive health programming, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Although awareness of infertility's prevalence and social, psychological, and health impacts is growing, efforts to address the associated stigma remain insufficient. Drawing on a synthesis of existing evidence, this commentary examines the multi-level nature of infertility-related stigma, highlighting its roots in social norms and structures that undermine the ability of individuals and couples to exercise their sexual and reproductive rights. The commentary provides a framework for understanding and addressing this stigma, borrowing lessons learned from effective social and behavior change approaches to reshape social relationships, shift norms, and empower individuals and couples to make informed reproductive health decisions while advancing rights-based, equitable, sexual and reproductive health programming.