Sickle cell: NGO train 200 volunteer genotype counsellors in Sokoto

Tue, Jun 18, 2019 | By publisher


Health

NO fewer than 200 persons have undergone genotype counselling skills training under the Productive Youths Development Initiative (PYDI), an NGO volunteer support programme in Sokoto State.

The Executive Director of PYDI, Dr Auwal Ahmed, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Sokoto that those trained would be ambassadors on counselling and advocacy on Sickle Cell in the state.

He said that the youths would be deployed to remote areas to encourage people to know their genotype.

Ahmed added that the sickle cell ambassadors are expected to conduct free genotype counselling to at least 100 persons every month.

He explained that PYDI in collaboration with the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Usmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, had offered free genotype tests to 300 persons.

The director said that the free test programme was sponsored by the wife of the state Governor, Hajiya Maryam Tambuwal as part of activities to mark the 2019 World Sickle Cell Day.

According to him, people were sensitised on the importance of knowing their genotype before marriage in order to avoid bearing children with sickle cell anemia.

He commended the governor’s wife for her support and plan to establish free genotype counselling and testing centres in the state.

Ahmed also commended the District Head of Gagi, Sarkin Yakin Gagi, Alhaji Sani Umar-Jabbi, on his encouragement and support to the organisation.

” I advise Nigerians, especially youths to know their health status before getting married as there is no need bearing children that will not be healthy and productive,” he said

 

-NAN

BE

– June 18, 2019 @ 08:05 GMT |

 

Tags: