Government seeks comms partner for sperm and egg donor campaign

The government has commenced a search for a new marketing agency partner as it seeks to combat a national shortage in sperm and egg donors.

A tender worth up to 320,000 pounds is being offered by the Department of Health that will involve working with media, social networks and other relevant parties to raise awareness of this shortage, according to a document seen by PRWeek.

Running until at least March 2014, the contract will see the chosen agency liaising with clinics, professionals and professional bodies to improve the donor experience.

The current dearth of sperm and egg donations dates back to 2005, when a new law was introduced to ensure sperm donors can be traced by their offspring.

A Department of Health spokesperson said: "We are working with various partners to look at how we can bring together egg and sperm donation services … A decision will be made once all bids have been considered."

According to data from the National Gamete Donation Trust, around one in seven couples seek medical help at some stage in their lives in order to achieve a pregnancy.