By Our Correspondent
In furtherance of the mandate to influence the health choices of their immediate society, Medical NYSC 'Corps' Members under Abeokuta South NYSC, recently held an enlightenment campaign on Premarital Screening Tests, Free Genotype, Blood Group and Viral testing for students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta.
The awareness campaign which was one of the series of outreaches by the corp members was held at the Otunba Gbenga Daniel Auditorium of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Abeokuta in collaboration with the Management and Students' Union Government of the institution.
While addressing the students, the President of the Medical CDS Group, Dr Aawal Olanloye said Genetic diseases like sickle cell disease is more prevalent in developing countries like Nigeria, saying that premarital genetic screening could help in its prevention.
He said as youths, they need to be acquainted with their health status before going into marriage.
He revealed that Premarital screening primarily helps a couple identifying a wide range of conditions such as genetic disorders, blood transmitted and infectious diseases, thus relevant treatments can be provided appropriately if any abnormalities are detected.
Dr. Olanloye added that Pre-marital health screening package is designed to help screen for genetic blood disorders like sickle cell anaemia and infectious disease like Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
Also speaking the Chairman of the Outreach Committee of the Medical Community Development and Service Group, Dr Amosu Opeyemi Pius noted that the program was held in an attempt to reduce the burden of genetic incompatibilities and viral infections in people who are of marriageable age, hence the choice of the students of the higher institution of learning as target group.
Dr. Amosu thanked the Management of the institution and the Director of Student Affairs, Mr David Olusegun Aninkan who was ably represented for their support and attendance at the program and expressed hope for future collaborations with the institution.
The awareness campaign featured Sensitisation talk on Premarital Screening Tests, Free Genotype, Blood Group and Viral testing for over 50 students of the institution and an impact session by life coach, Mrs Yemisi Fashola on her experience as caregiver to someone with sickle cell disease while advising the participants to make a healthier choice of avoiding a marriage that will place them at risk of such.
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