Endeavour to know your genotype-Dr. Osei-Wusu
A gynecologist, Dr. Osei-Wusu has urged Ghanaians to check their sickle cell status to prevent future occurrences.
According to him, it is perturbing that some adults are not cognizant of their sickle cell status due to the fact that they were not screened at the time of birth. Currently, that mistake has been rectified. A lot of children in Ghana now know their sickle cell status.
“There was one professor who made it a point that any child who is born is now screened for sickle cell disease so currently a lot of the kids coming up may now their sickling status but we the older folks, most people were not screened at birth so may not know their sickling status until something happens and they have to take their children to the hospital and they are asked to check their statuses”.
Dr. Osei-Wusu further said health experts have been offering education on sickle cell disease to citizens to enlighten them on the significance of knowing their status in order to prevent couples from giving birth to children with sickle cell traits.
He added that current statistics show that about two in hundred newborn babies have sickle cell disease in Ghana.
This advice comes following the celebration of the world sickle cell day which is celebrated on 19th June of every year as a day to raise awareness about sickle cell disease.
World Sickle Cell Day is a United Nations’ recognized day to raise awareness of sickle cell at a national and international level.
On 22nd December 2008, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution that recognizes sickle cell disease as a public health problem and “one of the world’s foremost genetic diseases.” The resolution calls for members to raise awareness of sickle cell on June 19th of each year at the national and international levels.
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Mercy Agyarkwah/focusnewsroom.com
