Lawmaker, others advocate genotype screening for couples

Lawmaker representing Surulere Constituency I at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, has called for genetic counselling and genotype screening among intending couples towards preventing sickle cell disorder.
  
The lawmaker made call the yesterday at a Sickle Cell Summit organised by Tonymay Foundation, titled: ‘Sickle Cell Disorder: Changing the Perception’, held in Ikeja, Lagos.
 
Elliot commended Tonymay Foundation for organising the event, saying many people are living with sickle cell and more efforts are needed to change the perceptions.
 
He identified social media as the best way to disseminate information about sickle cell disorder as it gets to the larger society.    Elliot said Lagos State Government needs to create more awareness in the state by giving succour to victims of sickle cell anaemia and promoting their welfare.
 
The Chairman Board of Trustees Tonymay Foundation, Chief Andrew Otokhina, said the Foundation has contributed to research and information on sickle cell as they designed a tool kit for persons living with the disorder.