Anambra State House of Assembly debate on Sickle Cell Disease (Control and Eradication) Bill, 2016

The House debated on the Sickle Cell Disease (control and eradication) (repeal) Bill, 2016. 

The bill among other things provides for a Committee whose duty shall be to:

a.  Liaise with the president general of each town to conduct house to house investigation and enquiries in order to find out couples and children who have not undergone genotype test; 

Hon. Barr. Kingsley IRUBA contributing during the debate

b.  Liaise with religious bodies and Marriage Registry in order to enforce the verification of Sickle Cell disease Prevention Certificate of persons to be wedded; 

c.  Conduct public awareness

and
enlightenment programs in form of workshops and outreaches in order to enlighten the popular on the ways to eradicate sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is
preventable. All it takes is for the people to be aware of their genotype and take actions to avoid marrying another person who is a likely carrier. Eg. AS should not marry
AS or SS; SA should not marry SS or AS; and SS should not marry AS or SS. 

Let us join hands to educate and enlighten our people to always carry out genotype test before engaging in any marriage to avoid subjecting innocent babies to untold hardship and trauma of sickle cell disease.

It is not good for two consenting adults to compromise and endanger the destiny of an innocent child just because of their ignorance or arrogance on the ground that "love is Blind". 

Before you go into any serious relationship that might result into having unprotected sex or marriage, please insist on conducting a genotype test. Shine your eyes to avoid "had I known". Love is no longer blind nowadays. 

Brothers before you propose to that sister, please know her genotype.

Sisters before you say "I accept" or "i will marry you" to that brother please insist on knowing his genotype.

Parents, before the "formal or informal introduction" of someone as your son or daughter in law, please confirm his or her genotype.

Pastors and church leaders should assist in teaching their members to go for test before engagement. Having faith is good, but ignorance is very destructive. The Bible says "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" (Hosea 4:6).

As we deliberate on this bill on eradication on Sickle Cell Disease, I humbly request for your suggestions and contributions.