By Blessing Odega
The Plateau Commissioner for Health, Dr Cletus Shurkuk, says the ministry
has conducted free genotype screening on 150 pupils to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Day.
He made this known during the free screening at LEA Primary School, Tudun Wada in Jos North Local Government Area on Friday.
He said that sickle cell is a disorder of the haemoglobin in the red blood cells, which is responsible for the colour of the cell and for carrying oxygen around the body.
Represented by Dr Bunah Mafwala, the ministry’s Director, Public Health, the commissioner said that sickle cell prevalence could be effectively reduced through awareness creation on the importance of knowing genotype before marriage.
He added that the choice of the LEA primary school was to inculcate in the pupils, the importance of knowing their genotypes early to prevent the rise of the disease, which is an inherited disease from both parents.
He noted that the pupils were given parental consent forms prior to the free screening.
The commissioner added that aside the free genotype and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) screenings, the pupils would be tested and treated free of charge for malaria.
Earlier, Dr Othaniel Dabit, a Consultant Paediatrician with the Plateau Specialist Hospital, who delivered keynote address, said that the major symptom of sickle cell disease is periodic episodes of extreme pain called pain crises.
He explained that the pain occurred when sickle-shaped red blood cells blocked blood flow through tiny blood vessels to the chest, abdomen and joints.
Dabit added that other symptoms are swelling of hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth or puberty, among others.
He said sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease which affects the shape of the red blood cells, which carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
Dabit pointed out that it is imperative for individuals to know their genotype so as to prevent the disease prevalence.
According to him, the genotypes that were compatible for marriage are AA + AS, AA + SS and AA + SC.
Mrs Helen Iliya, the Headmistress of the school, commended the ministry for picking the school for the screening exercise.
Iliya said that the act would enable parents and pupils to know the status of their children and enable them make informed decisions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that June 19 is annually marked as World Sickle Cell Awareness Day, aimed at raising awareness about the disease, and the challenges experienced by patients and their families and caregivers.
The global observance day has “Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally” as the theme for 2024. NAN
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