Mirian Gom 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Health advocates have renewed calls for mandatory genotype screening before marriage, warning that stronger preventive measures are needed to reduce the growing burden of sickle cell disease in Nigeria.
The appeal comes amid concerns that many couples continue to enter marriages without understanding their genetic compatibility, increasing the risk of children being born with sickle cell disorder.
Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, Founder of the Cristal Shaped Sickle Cell Foundation, Maryam Hassan, described premarital genotype screening as one of the most effective tools for preventing inherited blood disorders and avoiding future family crises.
“Many family challenges can be prevented through early screening and counselling,” Hassan said.
She noted that while emotional attachment often influences marital decisions, intending couples must also consider medical realities that could affect the health and wellbeing of future children.
According to her, several churches and mosques across Nigeria now require genotype and HIV test certificates before conducting marriage ceremonies.
“Some Churches and Mosques across Nigeria now require intending couples to present genotype and HIV test certificates before marriage,” she said.
Hassan described the practice as a positive step toward reducing the number of children born with sickle cell anaemia and other inherited conditions.
She urged prospective couples to conduct genotype and HIV tests at accredited hospitals and independent medical facilities to ensure accurate and reliable results.
The advocate also called for intensified awareness campaigns, particularly in rural communities where misconceptions about genetic compatibility remain widespread.
Also speaking, John Uwaya of the Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, said prevention remains more effective than confronting difficult reproductive decisions after marriage.
“Nigeria carries one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease globally, making public awareness and early genotype screening essential,” he said.
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