By Umar Faruk Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi Sickle Cell Association has stressed the need for a concerted effort to raise awareness about and reduce mortality from four genetic blood disorders, namely Sickle Cell diseases, Thalassemia, Haemophilia, and Von Willebrand diseases. According to Dr. Garba Umar Kangiwa, a Consultant Haematologist at Federal Teaching Hospital formally known as Federal Medical Centre, Birnin Kebbi, 138,000 children are born annually with sickle cell disease, while 25% of Nigerians are carriers.
Dr. Kangiwa revealed these statistics at the World inherited Disorder Day celebration. He noted that one in every four Nigerians is a sickle cell carrier.
"The disease is inherited from both parents, having a colossal impact on individuals, families, communities, and the socioeconomic situation," Dr. Kangiwa explained. "Sickle Cell disease can cause stroke in toddlers between two and three years old, requiring a team of experts for care and treatment."
He emphasized the importance of prevention, advocating for compulsory blood genotype testing for intending couples before marriage. "Those with AS, AC, SS, or SC genotypes should only marry AA to avoid passing on the disease," Dr. Kangiwa urged.The state branch association conducted an enlightenment campaign through advocacy visits to select secondary schools in Birnin Kebbi, including NYSC Nursery and Secondary School.
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