BIRNIN KEBBI – The Coordinator, Sickle-Cell Patients Association in Kebbi State, Hajiya Hadiza Yahaya, on Monday said it would establish sickle-cell screening centres in the four emirates of the state.
Yahaya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi that the emirates were Gwandu, Argungu, Yauri and Zuru.
She said the association had procured testing kits and equipment worth three million naira for the screening and treatment of the disease.
“We will intensify efforts on enlightenment campaign about the disease, especially on symptoms and dangers in the media,’’ she said.
She solicited the support of the state government and corporate bodies toward procuring additional equipment, drugs as well as the required medical experts to reduce the prevalence of the disease.
Yahaya advised the people to avail themselves from the ongoing free screening in some hospitals in the state.
Also, a Hematologist and consultant on sickle-cell, Dr Umar Kangiwa, advised intending couple to undergo blood screening to know their status.
Umar said that premarital counseling was relevant for intending couple so that they could make their decision on the marriage.
He said that an estimated 40,000 people in the state were positive to sickle-cell representing about 2 per cent of the 4.3 million populations. (NAN)