Youths have been urged to choose wisely before they marry to avoid their children contracting sickle cell disease.

They got the advice during a talk organised by the Rotary Club of Maryland to pupils of Community Senior High School, Wasimi, Maryland, Lagos.

A medic, Dr. Iyinlola Aremu, who spoke at the event, warned the pupils against marrying without knowing the genotype of their spouse. “Sickle cell is avoidable if you understand your genotype. If you have AA, the only person you can marry is an AS,” he added. He said the pains that accompany sickle cell disease are too severe for anyone to fall prey to the killer disease.

Also, he urged the female pupils to take proper care of themselves during their menstrual period and to remain calm as it is a natural occurrence. “For proper care, use sanitary pads,” he further said.

District 9111 Governor (DG), Dr. Wole Kukoyi said he has passion for sickle cell eradication, the reason he embarked on building a centre for it in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. “I encourage you to do a sickle cell test. Sickle cell and menstrual cycle are very important areas,” he added. (The Nation)