Genotype is an organism’s complete set of heritable genes from parents at conception. It is also known as genetic make-up of an organism. In short, genotype is a specific combination of alleles an individual carries for a particular gene.
In genetics, which is a fundamental field in Biology, with applications in Medicine, Agriculture, and Biotechnology, alleles constitute the building blocks, while genotype is how the blocks are arranged. An allele is described as an alternative form or version of a gene that a foetus inherits from one of its two parents. The combination of that biological inheritance is what is known as Genotype.
Alleles are categorised into Normal or Wild-type alleles, or abnormal or mutant alleles. Specifics in alleles
are; AA, AS, and SS. AA is normal. AS is a Carrier, while SS is Sickle Cell Disease. There are individuals who have AA as their alleles. Others have AS as their alleles. Yet, there are those whose alleles are SS.
In biological production, it is best when a male that has AA and a female that has the same allele come together as a couple. By no mistake, chance or misfortune can a couple with a combination of such alleles give birth to a baby with AS, much more SS, which is sickle cell disease. They will certainly give birth to a baby with an AA genotype, which guarantees good health and is stress-free. In another vein, a couple, each of who has AS, will end up being confronted with three probabilities, (a) giving birth to a baby with AA, (b) AS, or (c) SS.
Therefore, it is advisable that a man or woman that has an AS genotype should marry someone with an AA genotype. In such a circumstance, their worst case situation would be a baby with AS genotype.
However, nature, being mysterious, has drawn a long list of couples that had AS each as their alleles yet they had up to four or even five pregnancies and deliveries that were devoid of an SS genotype.
Even at that, the challenges of Sicle Cell Disease are so depletive that they should not be taken for granted. An individual with the SS genotype is vulnerable to all forms of diseases, with little or no immunity. The life span of he or she that has Sickle Cell Anemia is always unpredictable. He or she hardly lives a happy life. Even the parents and families of persons suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia live in a chain of distress, discomfort, displeasure, frustration, constant irritation, and anger.
Because of difficulties, agony and pains that are resultant of Sicle Cell Disease which go a long way to affect global stability and peace, the United Nations in 2008 declared June 19 as World Sickle Cell Day. This year’s theme is; “Global Action, Local Impact: Empowering Communities For Effective Self-Advocacy.
The theme emphasises the importance of Community Involvement, and Empowerment in addressing the challenges of Sickle Cell Disease. It encourages global efforts to be translated into meaningful and quantifiable local actions that can support individuals and families affected by Sickle Cell Disease.
On this occasion of World Sickle Cell Day, 2025, it is the wish of Equity Global Reporters Ltd that advocacy for awareness on Sickle Cell Disease, including its sensitisation, prevention, and effective management should be be driven even to the remotest communities in Nigeria. Health Institutions, Churches, Mosques, Schools, Markets, Village Council Meetings, Political Parties, Alumni Associations, and Traditional Rulers’ Palaces should be veritable platforms to effectively carry out this all important advocacy. Discomfort to one, is discomfort to the entire neighbourhood!
The interesting and assuring news is that the Federal Government of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has demonstrated advocacy for Sickle Cell Disease through various initiatives and policy implementations.
They include establishing Centres of Excellence for Sickle Cell Management, developing national guidelines, and promoting newborn screening. The Federal Government has established six Centres of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease Control and Management across Nigeria, one in each geo-political Zone. The Centres are reportedly equipped with advanced technology like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, HPLC, for newborn screening that will serve as hubs for Sickle Cell Disease management.
Happy World Sickle Cell Day, 2025.
Sir Don Ubani; KSC, JP Okwubunka of Asa and Okeamadi Gburugburu.
Managing-Editor/CEO
Equity Global Reporters Ltd.
