The Nigerian government has moved to make blood tests compulsory for intending couples, as a way of preventing sickle cell anaemia in the country, Igbere TV reports.
Already, a bill to that effect, has passed second reading and awaiting final pass at the Senate arm of the National Assembly.
The bill which aims to prevent, control and manage sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria scaled second reading at the Senate on Tuesday.
One of the provisions of the Bill seeks to prevent persons who are carriers (AS and SS) of the diseased gene from marrying other carriers.
Our NASS correspondent reports that the bill is sponsored by Senator Sam Egwu.
He said the bill also aims to curb preventable massive deaths and avoidable hardships caused by the disease.
This, the sponsor said, will be achieved by placing a statutory duty on the federal government to engage in and encourage the prevention, control and management of the occurrence, spread and effect of sickle cell anaemia.
With over 300,000 babies born globally with severe sickle cell disease, of which 75 per cent of that number are born in Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria holds a record of 66 per cent.
Peaking at plenary, Senator Egwu said the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia in Nigeria has risen to an alarming proportion, yet little is known about it and far little is done about it.
He said the legislation will enable the Ministry of Health to direct, coordinate and supervise the prevention, control and management of the disease.
It will also empower the ministry to accredit reputable public and private hospitals and medical clinics across the country, including the rural areas, to function as accredited participants in the prevention, control and management of the disease in Nigeria, he said.
The bill empowers the Ministry of Health to receive donations, literature and other relevant materials from persons, organisations and bodies or governments and ensure proper utilisation of such resources for the management of the disease.
The lawmaker explained that the passage of the bill will ensure that experts and other stakeholders are committed to the prevention and control of sickle cell disease in the country through adequate sensitisation and counseling to prevent persons who are carriers (AS and SS) from marrying other carriers, while facilitating uniformity and standardisation of care for those living with the disease.
