{
  "id": 6442374,
  "title": "Ask about his genotype before any other question – Sickle cell advocate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/ask-about-his-genotype-before-any-other-question-sickle-cell-advocate",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T16:10:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "GBC Ghana",
    "slug": "gbc-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.gbcghanaonline.com/news/health/ask-about-his-genotype-before-any-other-question-sickle-cell-advocate/2026/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Amos Andoh, the founder of the Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation (FoSCel), has emphasized the importance of genotype awareness in relationships as Ghana observes Sickle Cell Awareness Month. As a person living with sickle cell disease, Andoh urges young women to ask prospective partners about their genotype early in the relationship, before considering other superficial topics such as favourite colours. He stresses that early knowledge of genotype compatibility can help couples make informed decisions about having children and minimize the risk of passing the disease to their offspring.\n\nAndoh argues that many young people tend to overlook critical issues like genotype compatibility when meeting potential partners. He believes that genotype awareness should not be limited to couples preparing for marriage but should be integrated into general health education and informed decision-making among young people. Furthermore, he criticizes the ignorance of many parents whose children suffer from sickle cell disease, as they were unaware of their own genotype compatibility before starting a family, which he considers \"very poisonous\".\n\nThe founder of FoSCel also highlights the stigma, misconceptions, and lack of understanding surrounding sickle cell disease, which adversely affect those living with the condition. They often endure painful crises, frequent hospital admissions, high medication costs, and discrimination in schools and workplaces. In an effort to raise awareness, FoSCel is engaging in public discussions, school outreach programs, health screenings, counselling sessions, and advocacy activities. Additionally, the foundation will offer genotype testing for the first 100 individuals who attend their public events.\n\nAndoh advises those with sickle cell disease to stay warm, hydrated, take their medication regularly, and seek immediate medical attention at the first sign of a crisis. He also encourages Ghanaians to demonstrate greater empathy and support towards individuals living with the condition.",
  "summary": "By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave Founder of the Focus on Sickle Cell Foundation (FoSCel), Amos Andoh, has urged young women to prioritise genotype awareness in relationships, advising them to ask prospective partners about their genotype early in the relationship. Mr Andoh, who is a sickle cell warrior himself, made the call on the GTV Breakfast Show […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}