Genotype Foundation gives free screening in Lagos tomorrow June 17

In line with its commitment to the health and wellbeing of Nigerian children,  Genotype Foundation  is conducting a free genotype/blood group testing/ screening and counselling exercise for 1,000 secondary school students as a means of reducing the high rate of child mortality and maternal morbidity caused by Sickle Cell Disorder.



Early genotype screening helps prevent Sickle Cell Disorder The exercise takes place tomorrow June 17, 2016, at the Osun Hall of the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, alongside a seminar entitled: Sickle Cell Disorder, Haemoglobin, Genotype/Blood Group, in commemoration of this year’s Day of the African Child. Executive Director, Genotype Foundation, Dame Doris Gbemiloye,  said the event will help a lot of youths to know about issues surrounding their genotype and blood group. “June 16th of every year has been declared The Day of The African Child. It is an annual event celebrated in Africa.

One of the rights of the child as highlighted by UNICEF is the right to good health and it is necessary to educate the child on health issues,” Gbemoloye stated. She said students from various schools shall benefit from the screening exercise, which in effect shall provide education towards reducing the incidence of children with Sickle Cell Disorder (haemoglobin SS) in the country.

“Our activities help to prevent and control the disorder through information, communication and education, IEC, as well as screening and counselling as a contributing factor to reducing the high rate of child mortality and maternal morbidity in our nation. “To participate, you can register / book for a seat by calling. Mr. Femi Thomas. +2348087907768. We have moved from activities awareness to impact. This involves helping those living with Sickle Cell Disorder, and making sure every child in Nigeria knows his or her haemoglobin genotype and blood group.

Genotype Foundation is a non-profitable non-governmental organization (NGO) with an objective to help people especially the young, discover their haemoglobin genotype/blood group in order to take necessary action to prevent the occurrence of Sickle Cell Disorder.  It is aimed at creating adequate awareness at the grass root level and examines every side of important and controversial issues on Sickle Cell in an atmosphere of reasoned argument and respectful discourse.

Know your genotype 

Genotype is the genetic makeup of an individual with reference to a trait or multiple traits. They are the collection of genes passed from parents to the children. Before marriage, partners should be aware of their genotypes and blood group because   ignorance about the genotype is no longer acceptable as excuse. The knowledge of genotype is important when choosing life partners. Intending couples should know both their own genotype as well as their partner’s genotype at the early stage of their relationship before they are well rooted in love and emotions. Also, parents should check the genotype of their children during pregnancy or immediately after birth.

Possible outcomes of different genetic combinations In terms of compatibility, someone with AA genotype can marry anybody. It is safe for someone with AS to marry someone with AA genotype. The combinations of AS and AS, AS and AC should not be risked because there is probability of having a child with SS genotype. People with the sickle cell trait  should not even have a relationship or get married. Individuals with the aa genotype should help prevent genetic abnormalities by marrying the as, ac and ss.