Why you should go for Sickle Cell screening before getting married

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa's spouse Prof Janet Kasilly (left) with Dr Dorothy Nyong'o and wife of Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o during the launch of sickle cell awareness month at Butere ACK church on September 12, 2023 [Nathan Ochunge, Standard]

Young lovers in sickle cell-endemic areas have been urged to undergo testing for sickle cell disease before getting married to curb the rising number of children born with the condition.

During a blood drive at the Bungoma National Polytechnic, Antony Khisa, president of the Bungoma Rotary Club, emphasised the importance of knowing one's rhesus factors and sickle cell carrier status before deciding to have children. This knowledge can help prevent the continuation of the disease in their lineage.