The wife of Jigawa State Governor, Hajia Hadiza Umar Namadi, has warned intending couples against getting married without undergoing genotype tests.
The Jigawa First Lady gave the warning over the weekend when she visited sickle cell and VVF patients at Rasheed Shekoni Teaching Hospital and Jahun General Hospital in Dutse and Jahun LGAs of Jigawa State.
She said the visit was part of her efforts to create awareness on preventive measures against sickle cell disease and VVF infection in the state.
Mrs. Namadi said the aim is to reduce the spread of sickle cell disease and VVF infection which are part of the contributing factors to maternal and child mortality in the state.
She advised the youth to ensure they carried out genotype screening before making any marriage arrangements.
“I am advising intending couples to always undergo genotype test before getting married and parents should avoid marrying off their daughters at early ages,” she said.
She noted that the State government under the leadership of Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has introduced free girl-child education as well as free VVF surgery to minimize the disease.
The governor’s wife also donated food items and other materials to the patients.
