“Know Your Genotype Before You Fall in Love” — Health Experts Warn Students at XYSCO Seminar
In a heartfelt call to action, health professionals and advocates from the Xtra Youth Support and Care Organisation (XYSCO) have urged young people to prioritize genotype testing before entering romantic relationships. This message was delivered during an educational seminar designed to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and its genetic implications.
The seminar, held at the KNUST Senior High School campus, drew a large audience of students eager to learn how sickle cell disease is passed from parents to children and how it can be prevented through informed choices.
Dr. Efuah Owusu Ansah, a respected dietitian and health advocate, led the session by emphasizing the serious consequences that can arise when couples fail to consider their genetic compatibility. “Sickle cell disease is a hereditary disorder that occurs when both parents carry the sickle gene,” she explained. “If you don’t know your genotype before falling in love, you may unknowingly bring a child into the world who will suffer greatly.”
She highlighted the emotional, physical, and financial toll of raising a child with the SS genotype. “This condition brings not only physical pain but also emotional and financial strain on families. We are urging every young person here today—get tested. Know your status before making any relationship commitment,” she added.
Dr. Owusu Ansah also provided practical health tips for those already living with sickle cell disease, advising them to drink plenty of water, avoid stressful situations, and eat nutritious, iron-rich foods. “Taking good care of yourself helps manage the symptoms and improves quality of life,” she said.
Madam Catherine A. Korankye Eastwood, a Principal Nursing Officer and Preceptor at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, delved into the medical complications associated with the disease. She listed several serious health challenges, including severe anaemia, bone and joint pain, organ damage, and stroke. “The pain is real, and it starts from childhood. That’s why we need to prevent it before it happens,” she stressed.
She explained that the XYSCO outreach campaign seeks to raise awareness, fight ignorance, and promote early diagnosis and access to treatment. “We must encourage more people—especially the youth—to get tested. Let genotype testing become a normal part of life decisions, just like education and career planning,” she said.
Madam Korankye Eastwood also addressed the issue of relationship acceptance. She noted that individuals with AA genotypes should not be blamed or pressured for their choices regarding partners with AS or SS genotypes. “It’s a personal decision. What matters is that they are aware of the risks and are emotionally and financially prepared,” she emphasized.
The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session during which students asked insightful questions and shared their personal views. Many admitted they had never considered genotype compatibility as a critical factor in relationships until attending the seminar.
Participants expressed their appreciation to XYSCO for organizing the program and called for similar educational campaigns in schools and communities across the country. Organizers confirmed that the campaign will continue with visits to other institutions in the coming weeks.
As the day ended, one powerful message echoed across the auditorium:
“Don’t wait until it’s too late — know your genotype before you fall in love.”
