Not less than a hundred persons comprising of students from three secondary schools in Warri South local government, Delta State have benefitted from the “Free Hemoglobin Genotype/Blood Group Screening” exercise organized by a Lagos based Non-Governmental Organization, Genotype Foundation in collaboration with the office of Miss National Association of Itsekiri Students, NAIS , Fresh Angle has gathered.
This much was disclosed by a staff of Genotype Foundation, Mr. Femi Olagoke in an interview with newsmen in Warri shortly after the “Free Hemoglobin Genotype/Blood Group Screening” held in Warri.
In a lecture titled: Sickle Cell Disorder/Hemoglobin Genotype and Blood Group Rhesus Factor, the Executive Director of Genotype Foundation, Mrs. Duchess Doris Gbemiloye advised unmarried people, particularly youths to take preventive measures by knowing their genotype status and blood groups before getting married in order to save the lives of their unborn children.
In her words, “ I beg of you, prevention is better than cure and it is cheaper too, please know your genotype and blood group before you get married.”
Mrs. Gbemiloye who noted that sickle cell anemia is caused by Hemoglobin advised persons with sickle cell not to feel isolated, stressing that it is only natural and not a thing of witchcraft.
Mrs. Gbemiloye who stressed that those persons with Genotype “AS” can get married to Genotype “AA” while those with “AC” should get married to those with “AX” said the issue of blood group has caused so many homes pains due to ignorance. She emphasized the need for massive public enlightenment campaigns, early child education, genetic counseling as well as specialized health care for sickle cell anemia patients, just as she lamented the low turnout of Deltans to the programme even though it is free.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the programme, seasoned broadcaster, Julie Coker regretted the lack of presence of Delta State government in the programme. She said if the likes of Lagos State government could support a programme of such magnitude how come the Delta State government is not represented.
Current 2012/2013 Miss NAIS National, Iluwa Paulette Toritseju called on Deltans to help prevent the spread of sickle cell Anemia.
Special guest of the event and ex-federal lawmaker, Mrs. Olivia Agbajor advised all unmarried persons to know their genotype status as well as blood groups before getting married.
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
ISSN 2354 - 4104
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