LOGOS CIRCLE GOMBE
MONTHLY FORUM & COMMUNITY OUTREACH REPORT SEPTEMBER 2026.
GENOTYPE AWARENESS AND FREE GENOTYPE TESTING
Date: Sunday, 20 September 2026
Venue: ECWA Urshalima Bagadaza, Gombe State
Organiser: LOGOS Circle Gombe
Activity: Genotype Awareness and Free Genotype Testing
Circle Lead: Salihi Ibrahim
1. INTRODUCTION
As part of the LOGOS Circle Gombe Winnable Issues initiative, LOGOS Circle Gombe organised a genotype awareness and free genotype testing outreach at ECWA Urshalima Bagadaza, Gombe State, on Sunday, 20 September 2026.
The initiative was aimed at creating awareness among young people and community members about the importance of knowing their genotype status and understanding its relevance to sickle cell disease prevention and informed family planning.
The outreach represents the first phase of a broader community health initiative by LOGOS Circle Gombe to take practical, community-focused interventions to different communities across Gombe State.
2. OBJECTIVES OF THE OUTREACH
The outreach was organised to:
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Provide free genotype testing for people who did not know their genotype status.
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Increase awareness about sickle cell disease and genotype compatibility.
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Encourage young people to know their genotype status.
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Promote preventive healthcare and informed decision-making.
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Provide basic health education on genotype and sickle cell disease.
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Demonstrate the practical impact of LOGOS Circle Gombe’s Winnable Issues initiative.
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Strengthen engagement between LOGOS Circle Gombe and local communities.
3. ACTIVITY STATISTICS
| Indicator | Number |
|---|---|
| Specimens collected for genotype testing | 49 |
| Medical Laboratory Scientists present | 4 |
| Community volunteers | 7 |
| Outreach location | ECWA Urshalima Bagadaza |
| Date | 20 September 2026 |
A total of 49 specimens were collected during the outreach for genotype testing.
The technical aspect of the activity was supported by four (4) Medical Laboratory Scientists, while seven (7) community members volunteered to support mobilisation, coordination and other community-level activities.
The combined participation of healthcare professionals and community volunteers helped facilitate the smooth conduct of the outreach.
4. ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT
The following activities were undertaken during the outreach:
A. Community Sensitisation
Community members were sensitised on the importance of knowing their genotype status and understanding the implications of different genotype combinations.
B. Health Education
Participants received basic information about sickle cell disease, genotype inheritance and the importance of making informed reproductive and family decisions.
C. Genotype Sample Collection
A total of 49 specimens were collected from participants for genotype testing.
D. Community Volunteer Engagement
Seven community members participated as volunteers, supporting the implementation of the programme and facilitating interaction between the organisers and the community.
E. Medical Laboratory Support
Four Medical Laboratory Scientists were present to provide professional laboratory support for the genotype testing component of the outreach.
5. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION
The outreach provided an opportunity for LOGOS Circle Gombe to engage directly with the ECWA Urshalima Bagadaza community.
The involvement of seven community volunteers demonstrated local ownership of the initiative and helped create a welcoming environment for participants.
The presence of four Medical Laboratory Scientists also ensured that the testing component was supported by qualified laboratory professionals.
6. KEY OUTCOMES
The major outcomes of the activity include:
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49 specimens collected for genotype testing.
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4 Medical Laboratory Scientists participated in the technical aspect of the outreach.
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7 community members volunteered to support the programme.
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Community members received genotype and sickle cell disease awareness education.
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The outreach increased access to genotype testing within the community.
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LOGOS Circle Gombe strengthened its relationship with the ECWA Urshalima Bagadaza community.
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The activity provided a practical demonstration of LOGOS’ commitment to addressing community-identified issues through its Winnable Issues initiative.
7. IMPACT
The outreach demonstrates the potential of community-driven health interventions to improve access to preventive health information and basic diagnostic services.
By providing genotype testing and awareness within the community, the initiative helped remove some of the barriers that may prevent individuals from knowing their genotype status.
The programme also created an opportunity for healthcare professionals and community members to work together toward a common public-health objective.
8. LESSONS LEARNT
The following lessons were identified from the activity:
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Community-based health interventions can improve access to basic health information and services.
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Local volunteers are important in mobilising and engaging community members.
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Collaboration with qualified healthcare professionals strengthens the credibility and effectiveness of community health activities.
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Genotype awareness remains an important area for continued community education.
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Winnable Issues can provide a practical framework for LOGOS Circle members to identify and address real community challenges.
9. CHALLENGES
The activity also highlighted the need for continued mobilisation and resources to reach more members of the community.
As the initiative expands to other communities, additional support will be required for laboratory consumables, logistics, community mobilisation and health education materials.
10. CONCLUSION
The LOGOS Circle Gombe Genotype Awareness and Free Genotype Testing Outreach held at ECWA Urshalima Bagadaza on 20 September 2026 was a practical demonstration of community-led action under the LOGOS Winnable Issues initiative.
With 49 specimens collected, four Medical Laboratory Scientists in attendance and seven community volunteers supporting the activity, the outreach created a platform for genotype awareness, community engagement and access to testing.
The successful implementation of this first outreach provides a foundation for LOGOS Circle Gombe to continue expanding the initiative to other communities across Gombe State.
KNOW YOUR GENOTYPE. KNOW YOUR STATUS. MAKE INFORMED CHOICES.