Delta imposes genotypic screening of newborns
The Delta State government has made newborn screening mandatory in the state.
The Focal Person on Sickle Cell Disease in the State, Dr. U.N Okwe revealed at a workshop on Sickle Cell Disease and Newborn Screening for Neonatal Hemoglobinopathy in Asaba, State of the Delta.
Okwe said the state government has legislated and now has a law in the state to test newborns within 24 to 72 hours of birth.
She said: "Newborn screening test is the early identification of babies with hemoglobinopathies to facilitate early intervention and reduce morbidity and mortality from sickle cell disease in infants and early childhood.
"It is considered an additional strategy as part of a prevention program, and it is performed within 24 to 72 hours after birth.
“So far, we have tested over 2,000 newborns, and 26 of them have tested positive. We have registered over 11,000 sickle cell patients at Delta”
She called on the religious body to help enlighten their members about the danger of sickle cell disease.
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Contact: [email protected]
The Delta State government has made newborn screening mandatory in the state.
The Focal Person on Sickle Cell Disease in the State, Dr. U.N Okwe revealed at a workshop on Sickle Cell Disease and Newborn Screening for Neonatal Hemoglobinopathy in Asaba, State of the Delta.
Okwe said the state government has legislated and now has a law in the state to test newborns within 24 to 72 hours of birth.
She said: "Newborn screening test is the early identification of babies with hemoglobinopathies to facilitate early intervention and reduce morbidity and mortality from sickle cell disease in infants and early childhood.
"It is considered an additional strategy as part of a prevention program, and it is performed within 24 to 72 hours after birth.
“So far, we have tested over 2,000 newborns, and 26 of them have tested positive. We have registered over 11,000 sickle cell patients at Delta”
She called on the religious body to help enlighten their members about the danger of sickle cell disease.
Please share this story:
All rights reserved. This material and any other digital content on this website may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]
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