Know your genotype before marriage, Kwara tells youths

Résumé détaillé

The Kwara State Government has urged young people to know their genotype status before marriage to curb the prevalence of sickle cell disease in the state. Read More:…

The Kwara State Government has urged young people to ascertain their genotype status before entering into marriage, as part of efforts to curb the prevalence of sickle cell disease in the state.

The government said early genotype screening and increased public awareness were critical to preventing avoidable cases of the disease and helping young people make informed decisions about their health and marital choices.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, the First Lady of the state, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, made the appeal during the flag-off of a statewide genotype screening and awareness programme tagged ‘Know Your Genotype.’

The programme, organised in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and Concerned Medics Foundation, is aimed at promoting early genotype screening and raising awareness about SCD, particularly among adolescents and young people.

Abdulrazaq, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, said Nigeria carried the highest burden of sickle cell disease globally, with about six million people living with the condition and approximately 150,000 affected babies born annually.

She noted that the figures underscored the need for sustained public enlightenment and early screening to reduce the number of children born with the disease.

The governor’s wife stressed that young people needed to understand their genotype status early enough to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and future marriages.

She also urged traditional and religious leaders to take the campaign to their communities, using their influence to encourage residents to undergo genotype screening.

“I urge religious leaders, churches, mosques and all faith communities to use their sermons to encourage people to screen themselves and make informed decisions,” she said.

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