"Forget About Love If You Have Sickle Cell" – Adekunle Gold Calls for Awareness on Genotype Compatibility
Singer Adekunle Gold has called for more awareness about sickle cell and genotype compatibility, stressing the importance of knowing one's genotype before marriage and having children.
"Forget About Love If You Have Sickle Cell" – Adekunle Gold Calls for Awareness on Genotype Compatibility
Speaking on the One54 Africa Podcast, the singer said people with sickle cell should reconsider marriage and having children because of the possibility of passing the condition to their offspring. "There is so much awareness that needs to be done. If you have sickle cells forget about love, you can't do it because it makes no sense.
You are about to bring a child into the world and they are about to be sickly, it makes no sense," he said.
His comments have been met with mixed reactions, with some praising him for speaking the truth and others questioning whether he was being insensitive to those who have the condition.
Adekunle Gold also revealed that genotype compatibility was one of the first things he and his wife, Simi, established when they met, explaining that he would not have married her if she had an SS or AS genotype. "I wouldn't have married my wife if she was SS. When we met the first thing we did was know our genotype and we match. So she is AA," he said.
His disclosure has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of genotype testing before marriage, a practice that many Nigerians are aware of but do not always prioritize.
The singer's comments have been praised by many who believe that more awareness is needed about the risks of sickle cell disease and the importance of making informed decisions about marriage and childbearing.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and Nigeria has one of the highest rates of the disease in the world. Many couples who are both carriers of the sickle cell trait have a 25% chance of having a child with the condition, which can lead to severe health complications and a reduced quality of life.
However, critics have argued that Adekunle Gold's comments were insensitive and did not consider the emotional and social complexities of the situation.
Some have pointed out that people with sickle cell can live fulfilling lives with proper medical care, and that discouraging them from having children is a form of discrimination. Others have argued that the singer's message, while well-intentioned, could stigmatize those living with the condition.
The conversation has also highlighted the need for more education about genotype compatibility and the importance of making informed choices.
As the debate continues, Adekunle Gold has remained steadfast in his message, urging Nigerians to take genotype compatibility seriously.
His willingness to use his platform to raise awareness about such an important issue has earned him praise from many, even as others continue to question his approach.
Source: TrendyBeatz
