G6PD Deficiency in Ghana: Why Awareness and Early Diagnosis Matter
For many families in Ghana, Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency remains a poorly understood health condition despite its potential to cause serious complications.
G6PD deficiency is an inherited disorder in which the body has reduced activity of the G6PD enzyme. The enzyme helps protect red blood cells from oxidative damage. In people with significant deficiency, exposure to certain triggers can cause red blood cells to break down faster than the body can replace them, resulting in haemolysis and haemolytic anaemia.
The condition is particularly relevant to Ghana because G6PD deficiency is relatively common in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Estimates of prevalence in Ghana vary between studies and populations, with research reporting figures ranging from approximately 6.5% to 19%.
A significant awareness gap
Despite the availability of G6PD screening through Ghana's antenatal care system, research has identified major gaps in public understanding of the condition.
A study involving 504 mothers attending antenatal and postnatal clinics in Ghana found that none of the women interviewed understood what G6PD was or understood their G6PD status following antenatal screening. The researchers concluded that improving education about G6PD and its relationship with neonatal jaundice was necessary.
This gap is particularly important because G6PD deficiency can contribute to severe neonatal jaundice, especially when newborns with the deficiency are exposed to oxidative substances.
The study also noted that naphthalene-containing mothballs, which are commonly used in Ghana, were poorly recognised by mothers as a potential risk for severe neonatal jaundice.
Why G6PD deficiency matters
G6PD is essential for protecting red blood cells against oxidative stress. When the enzyme is deficient, certain exposures can cause the cells to break down.
The severity of the reaction varies between individuals and depends on factors including the degree of enzyme deficiency and the trigger involved. Possible consequences of significant haemolysis include anaemia, jaundice, fatigue and other complications requiring urgent medical attention.
G6PD deficiency can also be particularly important in malaria-endemic settings because some medicines used in malaria treatment require consideration of a patient's G6PD status. The World Health Organization recommends G6PD testing when it is relevant to the safe administration of certain antimalarial treatments, including primaquine and tafenoquine.
Screening is important
Ghana has incorporated G6PD testing into antenatal care. Research on Ghana's malaria programme notes that the Ministry of Health policy requires pregnant women to have their G6PD status checked during the first antenatal visit, partly because the result can inform malaria-treatment decisions.
However, screening alone is not enough.
A person who receives a test result but does not understand what it means may not know that certain exposures could place them at risk. This makes effective communication between healthcare providers and patients an important part of G6PD prevention.
Research has also identified challenges in access to G6PD testing, particularly at lower-level health facilities. A study examining access to testing in Ghana found significant geographical differences in availability and called for improved access to point-of-care testing.
Public education can prevent avoidable complications
Greater public awareness could help people with G6PD deficiency recognise their condition and discuss it with healthcare professionals before receiving medicines that may pose a risk.
Parents and caregivers should also understand the importance of informing healthcare providers about a child's G6PD status, particularly when the child requires treatment.
However, people should not stop or change prescribed medication on their own because of concerns about G6PD deficiency. Questions about medicines should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional who can assess the individual's condition and treatment.
The role of schools and communities
Awareness should extend beyond hospitals and antenatal clinics. Introducing basic education about inherited conditions such as G6PD deficiency into appropriate school health and science programmes could help young people understand genetic health conditions before they reach adulthood.
Recent research among young adults in Ghana's Ahafo Region found that awareness of G6PD status was substantially lower than awareness of sickle-cell status, while willingness to undergo screening was high. The researchers recommended integrated and culturally appropriate public-health strategies, particularly school based education.
Community education can similarly help parents, caregivers and families understand the importance of screening and appropriate medical advice.
A call for stronger health communication
G6PD deficiency does not have to become a crisis before a family learns about it. Early diagnosis, clear communication of test results and appropriate medical guidance can help people with the condition live healthy lives while reducing the risk of preventable complications.
For Ghana, strengthening public education should therefore complement existing screening efforts. Healthcare providers, schools, families, community organisations and public-health institutions all have a role to play in improving understanding of the condition.
The message is simple: knowing your G6PD status matters. Understanding what that status means matters even more. Anyone concerned about G6PD deficiency or their test status should speak with a qualified healthcare professional and seek appropriate testing and guidance.
About the Author
Festus Ansah Venunye is a final year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho.