The emir of Gwandu in Kebbi and chairman Kebbi State council of chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar has called on intending couples to go for blood screening in order to know their genotype before marriage. The emir made this call while receiving members of Kebbi State Sickle Cell Association (KESCA) which was led by the State Coordinator, Hajiya Hadiza Yahaya Shantali while paying the Emir a courtesy visit at his palace in Birnin Kebbi. Also Bashar has charged parents to ensure that before giving out their children in marriage, the genotype of their wards is determined through blood screening as a way of curbing the menace of sickle cell disorder amongst children.”If we have our way, all emirs will order for blood test to be carried out by couples before marriage in order for them to know their genotype so as to be free from sickle cell disorder and other diseases
like HIV AIDS” ,he stressed. While also commending the association for creating awareness on sickle cell disorder and how to manage it, Bashar advocated for a law to make it mandatory for couples to know their genotypes before marriage.
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