Eradicating Haemoglobin Variants Disorder

Haemoglobinopathies are among the most monogenetic disorders worldwide, inherited as autosomal recessive disorders from healthy-carrier parents. The most common are the sickle cell disorders and the thalassaemias, occurring in people of African, Asian, South European, and Middle Eastern descent. Our study aimed to understand the prevalence of the normal haemoglobin A among Nigerians and the ratio of HbAA to other Hb variants in the country to strategize an eradication algorithm for the haemoglobin disorders. Two independent studies of Hb genotyping were carried out from a neonatal population (387) and from an adult population (298). Haemoglobin electrophoresis at alkaline pH with cellulose acetate was the method of choice. Data analysis was done using simple percentages and the chi-square test.The participants' (685) results were as follows: 544(79.4%) were HbAA, 127 (18.5%) had HbAS, 9 (1.3%) had HbAC, 3 (0.4%) had HbSS, and 2 (0.4%) had HbSC. The ratio of Hb AA to Hb AS (4:1), HbAA to HbSS (181:1), HbAA to HbAC (60:1), and HbAA to HbSC (272:1), respectively. The knowledge and awareness of the participants were tested using a structured questionnaire, and on both sides, there was a statistically significant decrease in knowledge of the adult subjects and that of the parents and guidance of the neonates (p>0.05). It was concluded that making use of the high frequency of HbAA across the nation, a strategic and steady awareness campaign, along with education at all levels of life and guided government policy, eradication is achievable.