An easier and cheaper way to make adequate diagnosis without an elaborate laboratory is now available in the country.
The President, Sickle Cell Hope Alive Foundation, Professor Adeyinka Falusi made this known at a workshop on know your genotype in Ibadan.
The workshop was meant to create awareness about the devastating impact of sickle cell disease.
Professor Falusi explained that the device known as Point of Care Genotype Kit, adapted by the World Health Organisation, WHO, makes it possible to get result of blood group in ten minutes, and can be used in rural communities.
She said adopting the use of the device became imperative as Oyo State had the highest prevalence of sickle cell patients in the country.
Speaking through the Director of Public Health, Oyo State, Dr. Oyewole Lawal, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bashir Bello, urged parents to ensure that they bring their children with the disease to hospitals where they could be properly catered for.
A total number of ten people living with the disease and their care givers were empowered at the workshop.
Sickle cell is an inherited disease which could be prevented if people know their genotype before marriage.
Anthonia Akanji
pub-5160901092443552
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