- Urges Deltans To Know Genotype
BY DONALD OJEBO
THE Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensure that all sufferers of sickle cell disorder live a normal life and to also reduce the incidence of new cases of the disorder.
The Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme made this known in a statement as part of measures to commemorate the 2024 World Sickle Cell Disorder Day.
According to the Commissioner, the theme for this year’s commemoration: “Sickle cell Disease, a National Emergency”, represented a global call and national attention to sickle cell disorder, its vulnerability in relation to various diseases and create awareness in various levels of government that Sickle Cell Disorder can be managed amidst its challenges.
He stated that the United Nations General Assembly in its 63rd Session in 2008 formally declared Sickle Cell Disorder as a public health problem and one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases and the need to create awareness about the disorder, early diagnosis and to ensure appropriate management of the disease.
“Sickle Cell Disorder is a genetic health problem common among children of black African, Caribbean, and Asian descent. Statistics show that worldwide, Nigeria has the highest incidence of sickle cell disorder with one in every four Nigerians (25%) having the sickle cell trait In Nigeria” the statement disclosed. The statement identified the causes of high death rate among sickle cell sufferers to include refusal on the part of sufferers to participate in genetic programmes such as genetic counseling and planning, ignorance on the use of genotype tests and its relevance, and cases where several women particularly in the rural areas get into marriage not aware of their genotype status. Other factors included lack of the financial means to check genotype status, inability of babies to be screened, and in such cases where children are born with Sickle Cell Disorder, parents resort to quacks for solution. The statement further added that as part of measures to curtail the scourge, the State government, through the Ministry of Health, has provided equipment for genotype tests and newborn screening in some government health facilities to ensure Deltans check their genotype easily and have an early management of the disorder.
The Commissioner, in the statement also noted that to ensure a reduction in the incidence of new cases of the disorder and for those diagnosed to be able to live a normal life span, the State Government facilitated the maintenance of 21 sickle cell clinics in its health facilities and institutions across the three senatorial districts of the State to give needful counseling and proper management of people with the disorder.
