🎯 Learning Focus

To understand how G6PD deficiency—a common genetic condition in African populations—can lead to early and dangerous jaundice in newborns, and what caregivers and health workers should know about screening, triggers, and management.

🧬 What is G6PD Deficiency?

G6PD stands for Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase, an enzyme that protects red blood cells from damage.

👶🏾 In babies born with G6PD deficiency:

• Their red blood cells break down more easily under stress.

• This breakdown (called hemolysis) causes a surge of bilirubin.

• The immature newborn liver cannot handle this, leading to severe jaundice.

🌍 How Common Is It in Africa?

• G6PD deficiency is one of the most common inherited conditions in Africa.

• In Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, 15%–25% of males may be affected.

• It is more common in boys because the gene is on the X chromosome (X-linked inheritance).

📖 Reference:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30832486/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6959185/

⚠️ Why It’s Dangerous for Newborns

Babies with G6PD deficiency may:

• Show jaundice in the first 24–48 hours

• Have fast-rising bilirubin levels

• Be at risk for kernicterus (brain damage) if untreated

Triggers such as infection, certain foods, or medications can make the condition worse.

❌ Common Triggers of Hemolysis in G6PD Babies

💡 Even wrapping the baby in cloths stored with mothballs can trigger hemolysis.

🔬 How Is It Diagnosed?

1. Screening Test (recommended at birth)

• Simple blood test (G6PD enzyme assay)

• Can be done before symptoms appear

• Inexpensive and often done in pilot programs in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya

2. If newborn shows signs of jaundice early (before Day 2)

• Health workers should suspect G6PD deficiency

• Order a bilirubin test and refer immediately

🏥 Treatment & Prevention

📊 Real Case Example – Ghana

A 3-day-old boy in Kumasi was brought in with deep yellow skin, poor feeding, and fever.
His bilirubin was above 25 mg/dL.
Tests showed he had G6PD deficiency and sepsis.
He required exchange transfusion and was later diagnosed with hearing loss at age 1.

“We didn’t even know what G6PD was. Now I tell all mothers to ask for the test before it’s too late.” – Mother from Ashanti region
📖 Source: https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v20i1.12

🧭 How to Prevent Tragedy

✅ For Health Workers and CHWs:

• Educate families about triggers (herbs, mothballs, drugs)

• Encourage early facility visits if jaundice starts in <24 hours

• Advocate for routine G6PD screening at birth

✅ For Families:

• Ask at ANC: “Can I get tested for G6PD?”

• Keep babies away from:

  • Mothballs (naphthalene)

  • Strong-smelling balms

  • Unprescribed drugs

🔗 Curated Tools & Resources

1. G6PD Deficiency Explained – G6PD.org
   https://www.g6pd.org/en/

2. WHO Recommendations on Newborn Screening
   https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240039282

3. Pilot G6PD Screening in Africa (Nigeria)
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8957776/

🧩 Mini Quiz – G6PD & African Genetics

Q1. What causes red blood cells to break down faster in G6PD babies?
A. Mosquito bites
B. Enzyme deficiency
C. Too much milk
D. Light from a mobile phone

✅ Answer: B
Rationale: G6PD enzyme helps protect red cells. Without it, they break down quickly.

Q2. Which of the following is a known trigger for G6PD-related jaundice?
A. Banana
B. Breast milk
C. Mothballs
D. Exercise

✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Naphthalene in mothballs is toxic to G6PD-deficient babies.

Q3. When should G6PD testing be considered in Africa?
A. During baby’s weaning
B. Before school starts
C. Immediately after birth
D. At age 5

✅ Answer: C
Rationale: Testing at birth helps detect risk early and prevent dangerous complications.

🧭 Reflection Prompt:

“Talk with an elder or health worker: Have you heard of G6PD before? Share this knowledge with your family and community WhatsApp group. One conversation can save a life.”