Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) needs no introduction to every educated Nigerian. This is no denying however the fact that the minutest of details taken for granted can make folly of anyone irrespective of one's educational status. While many may have difficulty explaining the genetic anomaly behind SCA, it is commonly known as SS, the genotype of those living with the disease.
So, when Punch Columnist and blogger Tola Dehinde wrote on her column on July 21, 2017 on varying categories of those living with SCA thus: "some people will survive and get to be 90 with sickle cell and some will die at birth, young or any other age along the way," I have vivid experiences to substantiate not just her claim, but also the pain, stigma and attendant challenges of these people. I was thus subsequently disturbed when I learnt that 75 per cent of people living with SCA are Nigerians. So, I feel obliged to share the following on SCA.
Once you have an 'S' gene in your blood, you are a carrier of the sickle cell but not the disease itself; so you must be careful in selecting your life partner.
In addition, sickle cell is better prevented than cured (by bone marrow transplant). And the only way to prevent it is to know your genotype (so that it can affect your choice of a spouse). A doctor friend advised that the genotype test should be done at least twice!
Furthermore, www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/countries/Nigeria/what/scd.html reports that Nigeria alone accounts for more than 100, 000 new births with sickle cell every year, making it the most prevalent genetic disorder in World Health Organization's (WHO) African Region.
Four, one of the reasons for the continued prevalence of SCA is religious and cultural beliefs that denigrate scientific facts. The result of this is gifting innocent children a life of sorrow and daunting uncertainties. Ignorance could be another reason. Unfortunately, ignorance provides no immunity clause. Those who claim HIV/AIDS doesn't exist today have ugly tales to tell.
Lastly, encourage someone to take a genotype test. I encourage every parent to get to know the genotype and blood group of their wards and inform them appropriately. Our society can be free of SCA and it begins with knowing your genotype and encouraging someone to do same. Have a splendid week ahead.
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