sitemaster By Chibueze Obi-George,
Correspondent, Enugu
Ogbonna and Eberechi are lovers. They are based in Owerri, Imo state. They never knew their genotype until their church requested for it along with their HIV, hepatitis screening and syphilis results before they could be admitted for marriage counselling class ahead of their wedding. That is the norm in most churches.
Interesting, both Ogbonna and Eberechi were found to have the sickle cell trait, genotype "AS". The church took her stand against the wedding based on medical advice. Unfortunately, the love birds rejected all medical, religious and family counsels. Ogbonna is a medical professional, so he convinced Eberechi don't that the chances of having children with the sickle cell disease (SS) was just 25% which he regarded as very slim. So the love affair continued. He was too blonde with love to know that an error margin of 1% can be very costly.
Choosing a life partner is a decision young adults have to take. While taking that decision is easy for some people, it is excruciatingly difficult for others.
Falling in love and actually giving part of your whole being to someone for months and even years without knowing their genotype is normal in this part of the country, but as normal and harmless as it may sound. It makes it difficult, if not impossible, to quit the relationship after a considerable period of investment in emotional bank account of your partner. This has made the call for genotype test for these category a nightmare as they have seen relationships rocked to their roots in cases of incompatible outcomes, as some dare to heed medical advices and head their separate ways. Of course, this does not go without excruciating emotional trauma
Unfortunately, some people defy counsel, get married and start a family. They hold on to emotional expressions such as:
“I love my partner"
"We found out too late"
"Love conquers all"…etc
My dear friends, I know you love your partner. But how justifiable is that in the face of the impending health challenges your kids may be exposed to? Have you thought of the psychological trauma you stand to suffer seeing your child go through pain and agony occasioned by sickle cell disease?
Harsh as it may sound, it is a sacrifice worth taking for the overall long term health and joy of the family. It is the pride of every parent to pass on health and wealth to his successive generation. Do not hide under the umbrella of love to pass down genes that put your generation in a lifetime of ill health. Therefore, It is our responsibility to SAY NO and stop Sickle Cell Disease by taking the right decisions, even when the hurts.
Below is the genotype compatibility chart for the major genotypes:
1. AA + A = can marry
2. AA + AS = can marry
3. AS + AS= not to marry
4. SS + AA= can marry
5. SS + SS = not to marry
6. AS + SC= not to marry
7. AS + CC= not to marry
8. AA + SC= can marry
9. AA + CC= can marry
Please note:
1. The 3 major genotypes are AA, AS and SS; but SC and CC do exist
2. Only medical laboratory tests can confirm your genotype!
The challenge of Sickle Cell Disease is beyond feeling of pains. These complications include, though not limited to, organ damage, stroke, pulmonary disease, blindness, leg ulcers, gallstones, priapism, Pregnancy complications among others.
What are the available treatment for Sickle Cell Disease?
Management of sickle cell anemia is usually aimed at avoiding pain episodes, relieving symptoms and preventing complications.Treatment might include medications and blood transfusions.Though, for some children and teenagers, a stem cell transplant might cure the disease. Always ensure to see a specialist for treatment when complications arise
Recommendations:
1. Prevention of Sickle Cell Disease begins when all adults submit for genotype test in a licensed medical laboratory before entering into intimate conjugal relationships
2. Families, religious and traditional institutions must encourage and ensure that their children, followers and subjects know their genotype compatibility and adhere to medical advice before marriage.The best choice, is to know your genotype and that of your intended partner, if it doesn't match don't go ahead!
My action plan:
The End Sickle cell disease campaign (ESCDC) is an initiative that is pushing the campaign of sensitizing and creating awareness on social media, local communities and homes to encourage young people to know their genotype before entering any intimate relationship. Through this campaign we advocate that genotype and blood group should be made compulsory before marriage and as a requirement for admitting students, especially at secondary and tertiary levels of education.
Edited by: Chundung Davou Jang Jnr
