Anaemia: Agency conducts genotype testing for intending couples in Bauchi
NAN-HG-7 Sickle cell
Bauchi, Jan. 30, 2017 (NAN) The Bauchi State Primary Health Care Agency (BSPHCA) says has embarked on counseling and testing of blood genotype for intending couples to reduce transmission of sickle cell anaemia to family members.
The Monitoring Officer in charge of the agency, Mr Abdurashid Bashir, disclosed this on Monday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi.
According to him, more people are getting to know their genotype groups to enable them make informed decisions among married and intending couples through the counselling and testing services.
He said that the agency has also introduced weekly outreach campaigns on Wednesdays and Thursdays for various tests and routine immunisation.
“Under the platform of counselling and testing of intended couples, we have introduced genotype testing as well.
“This is to educate and guide intending couples in making inform decisions concerning marriages and reproduction.
“It will prevent further procreation of sickle cell babies and for those that are married, we encouraging family planning.
“We provide stands and sitting arrangement during outreach to ensure that members of the public are comfortable while conducting such tests and immunisations as well,” he said. (NAN)
AE/ESAN/MST
Edited by Abiodun Esan/Muhammad Suleiman Tola