Yobe’s 32.6% sickle cell prevalence rate worrisome says SCDEI

Dr Aliyu Usman, Executive Director, Sickle Cell Disease Eradication Initiative (SCDEI), a Community Based Organisation in Yobe, has expressed concern at the current 32.6 per cent prevalence rate of sickle cell in the state.

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The Executive director yesterday, told newsmen in Damaturu that the rate, sourced from the 2013 Sickle Cell survey, was the highest among the 36 states of the federation.

“The disease could be tackled with screening of newborn babies, awareness campaigns and premarital genotype counseling and testing,” he said.

Usman  said the organisation would soon conduct free genotype test across the 17 local government areas of the state to assist people in making right marital choices.

Usman said sickle cell was a hereditary disease that could be contracted through cross breeding of `AS’ and `AS’ genotypes.

He said the organisation was working in collaboration with the state government, Non-governmental organisations and community leaders in creating awareness on the dangers of the disease and measures to prevent it.

“To achieve this goal, implementation strategy of SCDEI activities shall be carried out in a systematic manner using responsible speed.

MTO/Punch