After so many lives have been lost, after so much anger, rage, pain and anguish have been inflicted on the people, the new age and science have discovered why people have been dying mysteriously. Out of ignorance, some of these deaths have been traced to “Abiku” or witchcraft until it is now found that is due to the Sickle Cell Disease which is linked to genotype.
According to medical science, a genotype refers to the complete set of genes that an individual organism possesses and any disorder can be very deadly as it affects the blood system.
According to reports, Sickle Cell Disease is a significant global health issue, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa where the majority of cases are found. And according to recent studies, the disease is far more deadly than previously recorded with the number of deaths rising and estimated to be 11 times higher than what is indicated.
Reports said that in 2021, the total mortality burden of Sickle Cell Disease was approximately 373,000 deaths compared to 34,600 deaths. It also said that half a million babies were born with Sickle Cell Disease in 2021 with 79 per cent of these deaths occurring in Sub-Saharan Africa.
According to reports, Sickle Cell Disease affects millions of people worldwide, particularly in tropical regions. The disease is said to be a leading cause of mortality in children under five years and children between five to 14 years and Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia have had significant increases in total deaths due to the Sickle Cell Disease since 2000 driven by population growth.
Recently, a medical professor in Nigeria told Nigerians about the dangers of the deadly Sickle Cell Disease. The University Don who spoke on the disease, Prof Marcellinus Nwagu recommended a compulsory determination of Sickle Cell Disease among prospective couples before getting married, calling for legislation making genotype screening compulsory before marriage.
Nwagu, a professor of haematology and blood transfusion at Edo University Iyanomo made the call while delivering the 17th Inaugural lecture series of the university. He revealed that there are about 200 registered haematologists in Nigeria serving a population of more than 200 million people; that is one haematologist serving 100 million Nigerians.
He noted that treating and managing Sickle Cell patients was to alleviate symptoms and promote a good quality of life, adding that the only cure for Sickle Cell is successful haematopoetic stem transportation (Bone Marrow Transplant)
According to him, for the prevention of the disease, more awareness needs to be created, adding that the awareness is very slow now.
Prof Nwagu said that one of the greatest challenges with the use of drugs is the non-availability and accessibility of drugs and when they are available they are very expensive and out of reach of the common man.
He advised that Nigerian First Ladies should take it as their pet project to sponsor at least one transplant per year; 36 cases and 142 cases per tenure of four years.
Speaking at a recent event in Asaba, Delta State Capital, to mark the 2025 Sickle Cell Day, Delta First Lady and Founder of the You Matter Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, represented by Mrs Ewuma Ejiro called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that Sickle Cell campaign gets to the grassroots.
Joining her voice in the fight against the disease, the former Lady of Delta State, and founder of 05 Initiative, Dame Edith Okowa marked the day with impactful donations of various Sickle Cell Disease medications. She also announced the enrolment of 200 more persons living with Sickle Cell Disease into the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, granting them access to affordable medical care. She said “We previously registered 380 individuals living with the disease. Today we are adding 200 more.”
Also addressing the gathering, the World Health Organisation (WHO), Delta State Coordinator, Dr Moisule Ganga said the platform is to amplify voices, celebrate resilience and push for change about the Sickle Cell Disease.
She added, “In Delta State, although precise data is limited, hospital-based estimates indicated a one to three per cent prevalence rate, saying, “Together we can reduce the burden of the disease and build a healthier future for all “.
Lifestyle took the matter to the public domain and their responses were shocking. Some young ladies at the Ogbeogonogo market and Konwea shopping Plaza in the centre of Asaba said that they do not know anything about genotype. “What is genotype?” they asked, expressing a sort of surprise at the question. One Grace Ojukwu said, “Genotype is not for me ooo. I reject it” and laughed loudly.
However, a medical doctor in Asaba, Fred Azuka threw more light into the matter, saying that ‘’understanding your genotype can help you make informed decisions about having children, especially if you are a carrier of a genetic disorder’’. Also, he said that knowing one’s genotype can help you take preventive measures or get regular check-ups, adding that ‘’your genotype can influence how you respond to certain medications and knowing your genotype can help your doctor tailor treatment plans to your specific needs’’.
He also said that by identifying genetic risks, couples can take steps to protect their future children from inherited disorders, improving their quality of life, pointing out that some countries have implemented pre-marital screening programmes for genetic disorders which showed positive results in reducing the incidence of disorders. It is important to note that a writeup of this nature should not end without mentioning the laudable step taken by the former First Lady of Delta State, Dame Edith Okowa in creating awareness about Sickle Cell Disease. Kudos to the former Delta First Lady for her unqualified contributions to creating awareness about the Disease in Delta State.
She took the battle against the Sickle Cell Disease to almost the 25 Local Government Areas of the State, preaching the gospel against the deadly disease, of which, the battle is still on globally. It is hoped that the battle will be won one day.
Once again, Dame Okowa needs to be commended for her untiring efforts in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease and the establishment of Sickle Cell Centres in almost all the local government areas of Delta State in her Pet Project, “O5 Initiative.”
