Experts in child health have emphasized the importance of children knowing their genotype as they grow, explaining that awareness of their genetic composition helps them make informed decisions later in life.
According to pediatricians, understanding one’s genotype is crucial for identifying common diseases related to specific genotypes and ensuring proper treatment. Knowledge of genotype also aids in the early diagnosis of genetic conditions, and it helps children and parents make informed decisions regarding family planning in the future.
Child health specialists noted that if people are well-informed about their genotype, the burden of sickle-cell disease can be significantly reduced. This could be achieved by making informed choices before procreation.
Professor Aminu Mohammad, a Professor of Paediatric Surgery at Bayero University, Kano State, stressed that while some children might struggle to understand the concept, parents should ensure they are well-educated about genotype to pass on the knowledge to their children.
“If a child’s genotype is unknown, healthcare providers may misdiagnose their condition, which could delay the proper treatment,” said Mohammad. “Understanding genotypes helps children plan their future families and prevent genetic conditions. Premarital testing is key to preventing diseases, not just treating them.”
He further explained that if parents who are sickle cell carriers or sicklers avoid marrying each other, sickle cell disease can be prevented. He cited examples from parts of the world where strict adherence to genotype compatibility in marriage has almost eliminated sickle-cell disease.
Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, a Consultant Paediatrician at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina, also highlighted the importance of genotype awareness, noting that knowing one’s hemoglobin genotype helps prevent the inheritance of conditions like sickle cell disease.
He explained that a child who inherits hemoglobin S from one parent and hemoglobin A from the other parent will have the AS genotype. However, if both parents pass on hemoglobin S, the child will have the SS genotype, leading to sickle cell disease. Dr. Alege emphasized that knowing the genotype is crucial for making informed family planning choices to avoid passing on abnormal genotypes.
Sickle cell disease remains a significant public health issue in Nigeria, with the country having the highest burden of the condition. The low level of awareness about genotype compatibility is a contributing factor.
Dr. Alege advised parents to ensure their children’s genotypes are known as early as possible, ideally from birth. He explained that due to practical limitations, genotyping is typically done from six months of age, as a baby’s blood contains fetal hemoglobin before that time, which masks the actual genotype.
“Parents should ensure their child’s genotype is determined during infancy, as schools now commonly require genotype information for admission,” said Dr. Alege.
As children grow older, understanding their genotype becomes vital for choosing a compatible partner. Dr. Alege stressed that individuals with the AS genotype should avoid marrying another AS partner due to the risk of having children with the SS genotype, which leads to sickle cell disease.
He concluded that responsible family planning, premarital genotype screening, and informed decisions can help reduce the prevalence of sickle cell disease in society and improve overall health outcomes.
