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Good day, Hive.
In my two years of active advocacy for sickle cell disorder, the slogan “Know your genotype and know peace” has become my mantra. This is because I have come to realise that, in most cases, children born with this chronic blood disorder are a result of ignorance, negligence, or selfishness.
About 13 days ago, 
I have watched my mum and listened to many other parents of sickle cell children lament on their frustration in caring for their warriors, as we are fondly called. They unknowingly traded their peace for a lifetime of worry and pain, all because of ignorance, negligence, or selfishness.
The recent statistics on sickle cell are terrifying, and sometimes I wonder if the advent of information technology has truly benefited this subject. With so much information at our fingertips, it is heartbreaking that countless people still do not know what genotype is, and the knowledge gap is scary.
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During my livestreams on TikTok, I meet people from all walks of life, and I’m baffled by how many still lack basic knowledge about genotype.
As someone living with sickle cell, I understand deeply the atrocities this condition can cause. I firmly believe genotype compatibility should be the first test intended for couples to take before anything else.
In fact, I think every individual should know their genotype before even reaching reproductive age. Why? Because when emotions set in, most people are often not rational enough to make informed decisions, especially decisions that will affect their children's future and their own peace of mind.
I have heard countless stories that convince me that ignorance around genotype has nothing to do with how educated a person is. Instead, it has everything to do with ignorance, negligence, sentiments, and selfishness.
Comment from a mother of a warrior
Sadly, these factors have led to broken homes, bitter children suffering lifelong pain, and resentful parents filled with regret.
Comment from a bitter warrior
What is Genotype?
Genotype refers to an individual’s genetic makeup, like DNA, inherited from both parents. Yet, many underestimate its importance until it is too late.
When people with specific genotypes, like those listed below, decide to marry without caution, they risk bringing children into the world with sickle cell disorder.
AS + AS
AS + SS
AC + AS
AC + AC
AS + CC
SS + SS
SS + SC
Why You Should Know Your Genotype
To Make Informed Marital Choices
The number one benefit of knowing your genotype is to guide you in making wise marital decisions. This knowledge helps you avoid falling deeply in love with someone you are genetically incompatible with, thereby preventing the birth of sickle-cell children.To Avoid Emotional Trauma
This is where the “know peace” part comes in. Raising a child or children with sickle cell is not easy. At almost 37, I am still amazed at how my mum panics whenever I have a pain crisis. I watched her become a shadow of herself, caring for two children with sickle cell disease and eventually losing one at just 24 years old. Nothing is more gut-wrenching than that. When I say, “Don’t trade your peace for anything,” I say it from lived experience.
Comment from a woman leaving her marriage
- To Reduce Financial Stress
Caring for someone with sickle cell is very expensive. From daily routine medications to frequent hospitalisations, the costs are overwhelming. Knowing your genotype helps you avoid carrying this financial burden for life.
Comment from an ignorant young lady about genotype
- To Empower Yourself Through Prevention
Genotype testing is the cheapest and easiest way to prevent sickle cell disorder. It allows individuals to make informed, responsible, and compassionate decisions for themselves and future generations.
Knowing your genotype is not just about science, it’s about love, responsibility, and foresight. It is about protecting your peace, your health, and your children's future.
So I say again, from the depths of my experience: Know your genotype, and truly know peace.
Thank you for passing by. Do you know your genotype?
Wishing us a blissful weekend.