By: Fatimah Idera
To celebrate World Sickle Cell Day, Impact Leaders Club (ILC) in conjunction with Ignite Sickle Cell Initiative of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) on Wednesday organised a 'Free Genotype Testing' for the students of
the institution.
The programme which was held at the AAUA Health Center laboratory allowed more than 100 students to benefit from the free genotype test.
Speaking at the event, the ILC President, Ms. Ajayi Oluwabori said the programme aims to impact 100 students but to their surprise, over 120 students were impacted.
Her words, "It's highly important to know your genotype, especially in terms of relationship because ignorance in the past can lead to reckless marriage which could lead to collapse because they are not compatible."
Oluwabori further explained why it is important for individuals to know their genotype before marriage or in a relationship.
"It is because some people do not know that when AS marries SS or another AS, the probability of them giving birth to SS is very high, comparing AA+AS or AA+SS. So it is highly important for people to know their genotype before or during a relationship," she noted.
Ambassador Oyinbo Jonathan Ololade, however, showed gratitude for the success of the event expressing his satisfaction about the occasion.
He said, "Thanks to Impact Leaders Club and Ignite Sickle Cell for impacting lives freely at Adekunle Ajasin University Health Centre.
"Knowing one's genotype is very paramount, as it prevents abnormal children from existing on earth. It helps people to detect who they are compatible with and also save deadly marriages."
He however encouraged students to always take advantage of such opportunities soon because it also educates society. "Though people pay to know their genotype, today Impact Leaders Club (ILC) in collaboration with Ignite Sickle Cell made it free for over 100 students and it was a success."
In an interview with Oluwakemi Oguntimehin who serves as the CEO of Ignite Sickle Cell, she explained how important this project is to students to know their genetic composition before embarking on a blind date with an incompatible partner as it helps reduce sickle cell.
She narrated that all genotypes are donatable except SS as they depend on blood donation while she said AA is always implored to donate blood.
According to her, students' turn-up will determine if the project will result in an annual project.
Students React
Bartholomeo Johnson, a student of AAUA said he heard about the project from his colleague who is one of the ILC members.
Johnson while explaining why he came for the programme said, "I didn't know about my genotype at all, more reason why I came here for the free test, so I can know my genotype.
"I and other students commend the organisers as the program helped people know their blood group and to help prevent future mistakes during relationships.
"Aftermath of the test would make everyone know where they belong and how to choose their spouses. This program is giving a correction and prevention of wrong marriage because many people are not aware of the necessity for a child in marriage."
He added, "It is very good for people to rally around this kind of program as it enlightened people and gave more knowledge to people about their genetic composition. It also gives an advantage to the poor who might not have the ability to fund their genotype when they want to choose their spouses."
Faramade Ogunmolade, a 300-Level student of Law expressed how she felt about the project stressing that genotype is the component of one's blood. He said that there are different types of genotypes and one must know which of them one belongs to.
"I appreciate the genotype education program as it helped widen my knowledge about my health, and the process of the test and the result make me know how to choose my compatible future partner. Meanwhile, the project also enlightened me to be a kind donor as AA if an SS needs blood," Faramade remarked.
All right reserved: No part of the content may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or transmission of any part of this website or its content is strictly prohibited and may result in severe civil and criminal penalties under applicable laws.
For permission to use any copyrighted material from this website, please contact ECHO MEDIA.
0 replies:
Post a Comment