Laleye Dipo in Minna
A consultant pediatrician at the Minna General Hospital, in Niger State, Dr. Aisha Musa, has advised would-be couples to submit themselves to sickle cell screening before the consumation of their wedding to avoid the sickle cell the disease.
Dr. Aisha Musa stated this at a Sensitisation campaign organized to commemorate this year’s World Sickle Cell Day at the Palace of the District Head of Maikunkele in Bosso Local Government Area of Niger State, noting that “sickle cell is a hereditary disease”
She said her advice is also because the condition occurs when both parents Carriers of the Sickle Cell Gene pass it to their unborn children.
“Sickle Cell disease is a hereditary blood disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, the condition occurs when both parents Carriers of the Sickle Cell Gene pass it onto their unborn children,” Dr. Musa declared.
She added that “individuals living with the disorder often experience recurrent painful crises, anaemia, infections, and other health complications that can affect their daily lives”.
She therefore stressed the importance of Genotype screening before marriage, adding that informed decisions could help prevent the birth of children with Sickle Cell disorder.
The Coordinator of Non-communicable Diseases at the Minna General Hospital, Dr. Kudirat Abdulganiyu, said Sickle Cell Disease remains one of the major health challenges affecting young people adding that proper management and preventive measures could help reduce complications associated with the condition.
She called for action by urging parents and relatives to provide continued support for people living with Sickle Cell Disease, especially during emergencies that require blood donation.
Spokesperson of the civil society organisations at the forum, Mrs. Hasana Joan Kpetu, advised parents to ensure that affected children received regular medical checkups, adequate nutrition, and proper hydration, and also adhere to prescribed medications to prevent complications.
In his remarks, the District Head of Maikunkele, Alhaji Suleiman Abdullahi Dada, assured the Organizers of continued support and encouraged Community members to serve as Advocates for spreading awareness about the disease.
