Women's Hospital International and Fertility Centre

Women's Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC), is a private specialized healthcare facility in Uganda. It specializes in the treatment of infertile couples.^[1]

The hospital is located on the Bukoto–Kisaasi Road, in the neighborhood called Bukoto, in the city of Kampala, Uganda's capital. This is approximately 4 kilometres (2 mi), by road, northeast of Mulago National Referral Hospital.^[2] WHI&FC is located about 7 kilometres (4 mi), by road, northeast of the central business district of Kampala.^[3] The coordinates of Women's Hospital International and Fertility Centre are: 0°21'02.0"N, 32°35'57.0"E (Latitude:0.350552; Longitude:32.599165).^[4]

Women's Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC) is a private specialized healthcare facility located in Bukoto, Kampala, Uganda. Established in 2004 by Dr. Edward G. Tamale-Sali, a renowned obstetrician and gynecologist, WHI&FC specializes in fertility, gynecology, and maternity services, serving patients across the East African Community and the Great Lakes region.^[5]​

In 2004, WHI&FC achieved a significant milestone by facilitating the birth of Uganda's first in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby, marking a pivotal advancement in reproductive healthcare in East and Central Africa. By the end of 2017, the hospital had assisted in the conception and delivery of at least 20,000 babies through assisted reproductive technologies.^[6]​

The hospital's multidisciplinary team comprises experienced medical doctors, scientists, nurses, and counselors from Uganda, Europe, and the global diaspora, all dedicated to providing patient-centered care. WHI&FC's state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to innovation have solidified its reputation as a leader in reproductive healthcare.^[6]​

In November 2009, a 54-year-old mother delivered a healthy in vitro baby at WHI&FC, highlighting the hospital's commitment to inclusivity in reproductive health.^[7]​

In November 2023, WHI&FC garnered international attention when a 70-year-old Ugandan woman gave birth to twins via IVF, becoming Africa's oldest mother.^[8]

The leadership structure of Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC) is rooted in family stewardship and professional expertise, ensuring both visionary direction and operational excellence.

At the helm is Dr. Edward Tamale-Sali, the hospital’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer. He is joined by Mrs. Kate Tamale-Sali, who serves as Managing Director of Administration and Finance. Together, they have overseen the growth of WHI&FC from a modest fertility clinic into a renowned regional center for reproductive healthcare.

Key leadership positions include:

• Dr. Sanyu Nanziri, Head of Medical Services
• Mr. Arnold Tamale-Sali & Sr. Anu George, Head of IVF
• Mrs. Caroline Kyomuhangi, Human Resource and Administration Manager
• Mr. Samuel Tamale-Sali, Head of Business Strategy, IT & Corporate Affairs
• Miss Helen Bosa Nakibuka, Head of Finance and Logistics

Under this leadership, WHI&FC manages a range of departments that ensure smooth, patient-centered service delivery. These include: IVF laboratory, medical doctors and nursing services, counselling services, marketing and communications, pharmacy and radiology, quality assurance and procurement, hygiene and laundry services, maintenance and quality control, statistics and records, information technology, and transport, food & beverages, and stores.

Dr. Edward Tamale-Sali is the Founder, Director, and Resident Doctor at the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC). He is a renowned fertility expert with decades of experience in reproductive health and gynecology, and is widely respected for pioneering fertility care in East and Central Africa.

Dr. Sali graduated from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) in 1974. He later earned several prestigious professional qualifications, including:

• Member of the Royal College of Surgeons and Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCS; LRCP) – 1977
• Diploma of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (DRCOG) – 1979
• Family Planning Association Certification (FPA) – 1979
• Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (MRCOG) – 1982
• Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (FRSEd) – 1982
• Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRCOG) – 1995

Before founding WHI&FC, Dr. Sali served as a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at several reputable hospitals in the UK and the Middle East:

• Women's Hospital Nottingham, UK (1977–1979)
• Torbay General Hospital, UK (1981–1982)
• Hereford County Royal Hospital, UK (1982–1983)
• Royal Hospital - Derbyshire, UK (1983–1985)
• Kuwait Oil Company Hospital, Kuwait (1986–2004)

In 2004, with second-hand equipment and limited resources, Dr. and Mrs. Tamale-Sali transformed what was intended to be their accommodation into a clinic and surgery. This marked the birth of the Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre in Kampala, Uganda. His mission was to offer world-class fertility services not only to Ugandans but also to patients from across Africa and the diaspora.

Dr. Sali has since established several fertility and general hospitals across Africa, including:

• Sali International Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
• Dar IVF and Fertility Clinic, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Sali International Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Lusaka IVF and Fertility Clinic, Lusaka, Zambia
• Sali International School of Fertility Medicine (SISFM), Kampala Uganda
• African Women Fertility Foundation , Kampala Uganda

Women’s Hospital International and Fertility Centre (WHI&FC) offers a comprehensive range of reproductive and maternal health services, integrating advanced medical technology with personalized care. The hospital is known for its pioneering fertility solutions, gynecological expertise, and state-of-the-art maternity services.

WHI&FC is a regional leader in assisted reproductive technologies. The facility provides specialized fertility consultations, In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intrauterine Insemination (IUI), and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). It also offers egg and sperm freezing and storage, donor gametes, and surrogacy programs tailored to patients’ unique needs.

The center performs Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) and Tubal Sperm Infusion (TSI) for male factor infertility, and integrates Genetic Screening and Diagnosis, including Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD), and Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS), ensuring healthier embryo selection before implantation.

WHI&FC provides a full spectrum of gynecological care, ranging from routine check-ups, family planning, and menstrual health to the management of hormonal imbalances, pelvic floor disorders, reproductive and sexual health, and menopause. The hospital also emphasizes gynecological cancer screening, vulvar and vaginal care, and adolescent gynecology.

Supportive services include genetic and preconception counseling, postpartum care, and comprehensive patient education on various women's health issues.

The hospital offers minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgeries and hysteroscopic interventions, in addition to traditional open surgeries like myomectomy, hysterectomy, cystectomy, ovarian cyst removal, and cervical cerclage. Family planning options include tubal ligation.

Other procedures include:

• Endometrial ablation
• Uterine polyp removal
• Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) for the management of incomplete miscarriages

WHI&FC’s Antenatal Care (ANC) program is designed to ensure the health and safety of both expectant mothers and their unborn children. Services include regular check-ups, nutrition and lifestyle counseling, blood pressure and diabetes screening, and care for high-risk pregnancies.

Expectant parents can access childbirth education, infant care, and parenting classes. Diagnostic services include ultrasound scans and amniocentesis, with accompanying laboratory and genetic counseling support.

The hospital supports both normal and cesarean deliveries, with options for epidural anesthesia and delivery in modern labor rooms designed for comfort and safety. A skilled team of midwives and obstetricians provides compassionate care throughout the birthing process.

Postpartum services include maternal and newborn care, breastfeeding support, and emotional health screenings for conditions such as postpartum depression.

WHI&FC houses a fully equipped Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to support premature or medically fragile newborns. The NICU is staffed by specialized neonatologists and features advanced neonatal care equipment.

The hospital offers a range of diagnostic imaging, including abdominal, pelvic, and Doppler ultrasound scans. Genetic testing services include carrier screening and preconception genetic panels for couples planning to conceive.

WHI&FC’s modern laboratory supports all clinical departments with advanced diagnostic capabilities. Services include:

• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Stool analysis
• Hormone profiling
• Infectious disease screening

The laboratory also plays a critical role in fertility evaluations and ongoing pregnancy monitoring, contributing to WHI&FC’s reputation for accuracy, reliability, and timely results.

Under the leadership of Dr. Tamale-Sali, WHI&FC has expanded its services regionally and established an educational institution to train fertility specialists:​

Lusaka IVF and Fertility Clinic, established in Lusaka, Zambia, in October 2015, offers comprehensive fertility services, including IVF, ICSI, egg/sperm freezing, and surrogacy programs. By May 2018, the clinic had facilitated over 1,200 births through Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART).^[9]​

Dar IVF and Fertility Clinic, located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, provides a range of fertility treatments and has become a leading institution for assisted reproductive technologies in the region. The clinic has achieved over 500 IVF births and serves approximately 200 patients monthly.^[10]​

Sali International School of Fertility Medicine (SISFM), based in Uganda, was founded to address the shortage of trained fertility specialists in Africa. SISFM offers certificate, diploma, postgraduate diploma, and master's programs in fields such as gynecological endoscopic surgery, clinical embryology, and assisted reproductive technologies.^[11]

• Kampala Capital City Authority
• List of hospitals in Uganda
• International Hospital Kampala
• Nakasero Hospital
• Mulago National Referral Hospital

• Official Website
• Opinion: Yes, we make babies in test tubes (as of 6 September 2021)
• Ugandan Woman Who Welcomed Twins at 70 Introduces Son and Daughter – People
• 70-Year-Old Ugandan Woman Gives Birth to Twins – TODAY
• Today's Show on Instagram
• History Was Made: Safina Namukwaya Becomes Africa’s Oldest Mother – WHI&FC Facebook
• 70-Year-Old Woman in Uganda Gives Birth to Twins After Fertility Treatment – NBC News
• 70-Year-Old Safina Namukwaya Gives Birth to Twins – Bona
• Uganda Woman Becomes Africa’s Oldest Mother After Giving Birth Aged 70 – Sky News
• Ugandan Woman Gives Birth at 70 – BET