The Ogun State government has urged youths to seek genetic counselling before marriage to prevent the birth of children with sickle cell disorder and other avoidable diseases.

The state Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, gave the advice during the foundation-laying ceremony of a sickle cell disorder centre at the state Hospital, Ota, on Tuesday, organised by the Rotary Club International, District 9111.

Ms Coker, represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Tayo Lawal, noted that seeking counselling would enable them to have the right information on the causes and prevention of the disorder before marriage.

She added that it was essential to reduce the disorder in society.

Ms Coker reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration in partnering with well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations for the provision of adequate, effective and affordable healthcare services to the people of the state.

Earlier, the pioneer district governor of Rotary International District 9111, Oluwole Kukoyi, said the organisation’s construction of a modern sickle cell centre was borne out of the need to give hope to patients with sickle cell disorder.

Mr Kukoyi appreciated the state government, through the ministry of health for the support and approval to build the centre.

He assured that the project would be completed in six months, adding that counselling sessions, outreach and enlightenment campaigns would be provided, especially for the youth.

In his contribution, the national director of the Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, Annette Akinsete, stated that the project, when completed, would be a solution to the needs of the people.

Ms Akinsete was represented by Caleb Audu, the strategic communications and partnership lead for the foundation.

She promised that the national centre would enrol children under five years old in its free drug administration programme, genetic counselling, leg ulcer dressing and transcranial doppler scan machine training.

The permanent secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Nike Elemide, while commending the effort of the club, said the centre would have a positive impact on the public.

In their remarks, the Medical Director of State Hospital, Ota, Akinshola Ero-Phillips and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Omolayo Fred-Omojole, commended the club for citing the centre on the hospital premises.

They maintained that the gesture would ease the burden on many families of sickle cell patients. 

(NAN)