A Non-Governmental Organization, the Sickle Cell Awareness Initiative, has advised intending couples to ascertain their genotype before marriage as a key step toward reducing the prevalence of sickle cell disease.
The founder of the organization in Ireland and Nigeria, Esther Onolmemem, made the call at the grand finale of a sickle cell awareness campaign held at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. She explained that knowing one’s genotype before marriage would significantly help in reducing the number of children born with sickle cell disease.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, urged parents of children living with sickle cell disease to prioritize regular medical check-ups. He was represented by the Director of Education in the commission, Dr. Ezugu Patience.
In separate interviews, some parents and children living with sickle cell disease expressed optimism that the awareness campaign would help improve understanding of the condition and strengthen efforts to manage and combat the disease.
