Electrophorèse: A test that is essential

The evolution of medicine now allows people who want to unite, to do a compatibility test. This, to face the evil linked to sickle cell disease which is legion.

Allowing to establish the accounting link in two subjects who have chosen to come together, electrophoresis is now a means of preventing the genetic and hereditary disease of sickle cell anemia. According to the report of a study conducted by a group of Beninese researchers on the frequency and evolution of sickle cell emergencies in the blood diseases department of the Center National Hospitalier Universitaire-Hubert Koutoukou Maga in Cotonou (CNHU-HKM), between january 2014 and december 2015 on the 813 hospitalized people, 204 cases have been confirmed as sickle cell emergencies. Always according to the same study, it has been shown that the most affected subjects were aged between 20 and 30 years (The pan Africain Medical Journal). During his 59^th General Health Assembly held in 2006, The World Health Organization has estimated more than 200.000 the number of children born with sickle cell disease each year.  

These different figures are only proof of a late prevalence of the disease due to neglect of electrophoresis tests.. "If everyone can realize the importance of the electrophoresis test, it will be very useful for everyone ”, confides a midwife while pointing out that the negligence of some people vis-à-vis this test is due to a lack of information. "Today medicine is undergoing an evolution and makes it possible to avoid certain genetic diseases including sickle cell anemia. That is why, it is important to do an electrophoresis test in order to know the right combination. But the lack of information among some causes them to embark on procreation without knowing if the spouse is compatible or not. At our health center, we pass the information on to the young girls so that they in turn can inform their spouses. We say yes to love, but this love should not compromise the life of the offspring ".

That's why to avoid these kinds of situations, some religious leaders require engaged couples to take the test before marrying.  "We cannot endanger the lives of our disciples, reason why from the announcement of the wedding, we are asking for a number of tests including that of electrophoresis which for us is very important ", explains Reverend Pastor Hounguè Joël. "One of the consequences of this medical requirement, some couples are forced to reunite when compatibility is not established. It's a shame but it's important "says this servant of God.

Some people always ....

In the ranks of Beninese citizens, the positions remain shared since for some, it is necessary but for others, it doesn't matter much. "I can't risk my children's lives for that I always demanded a test. I am AS so I must be careful not to give birth to nothing but sick children ”, affirms Estelle in her thirties. For Gustave, "It is important to get tested and to have an idea of ​​the status of your spouse".

On the other hand, Sandra does not want to face the facts. The girl is adamant. for her, no way to do anything. "If I don't drag an illness so far, it is because I am well. I don't think my partner has sickle cell disease either ”she innocently proclaims. A position that is still unfounded when we know that the disease may not manifest itself although it is in the subject's genes. Awareness must be done to inform everyone of the importance of electrophoresis in urban centers as well as in the countryside.

Firmin KASSAGA