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Updated: Mar 22, 2026
Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
National G6PD neonatal screening program in Gaza Strip of Palestine: rationale, challenges and recommendations
M M Sirdah1,2, M S Al-Kahlout3, N S Reading2,4,5
1Biology Department, Al Azhar University-Gaza, Gaza, Palestine.
Insights
Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a significant public health issue in Gaza, causing hemolytic anemia in children. A national neonatal screening program is recommended to protect children from this manageable genetic disorder.
Area of Science:
- Medical Genetics
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Congenital genetic disorders in children require early diagnosis to prevent severe outcomes.
- Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a prevalent cause of acute hemolytic anemia in young Palestinian children in Gaza.
- Common G6PD variants in this population include Mediterranean, African G6PD A, and the G6PD Cairo variant.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale and challenges for implementing a G6PD screening program in Gaza.
- To advocate for a national neonatal G6PD screening program to identify at-risk children.
- To improve health outcomes for Palestinian children affected by G6PD deficiency.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on G6PD deficiency prevalence and clinical impact.
- Analysis of G6PD variants identified in previous studies of Palestinian children.
- Discussion of public health strategies for screening and management.
Main Results:
- G6PD deficiency is a major public health concern in Gaza, leading to hospitalization for hemolytic anemia.
- Specific G6PD variants (Mediterranean, African G6PD A, G6PD Cairo) are common in the affected pediatric population.
- Dietary factors exacerbate anemia risk in G6PD-deficient children in the region.
Conclusions:
- A national neonatal G6PD screening program is crucial for early detection and management in Gaza.
- Screening can prevent severe complications and improve the long-term health of children.
- Addressing G6PD deficiency is essential for public health in Palestine.
Abstract:
Congenital genetic disorders affecting neonates or young children can have serious clinical consequences if undiagnosed and left untreated. Early detection and an accurate diagnosis are, therefore, of major importance for preventing negative patient outcomes. Even though the occurrence of each specific metabolic disorder may be rare, their collective impact of preventable complications may be of considerable importance to the public health. Our previous studies showed that glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a problem of public health importance that has been shown to be a predominant cause of acute hemolytic anemia requiring hospitalization in Palestinian young children in Gaza Strip. Intriguingly, the majority of these children had one of the three variants, Mediterranean(c.) (563T) , African G6PD A-(c.) (202A) (/c.) (376G) and heretofore unrecognized as a common G6PD-deficient variant G6PD Cairo(c.) (404C) . The high prevalence of G6PD deficiency, as well as dietary factors in the region that precipitate anemia, argues for a need to protect the Palestinian children from a treatable and manageable genetic and metabolic disorder. This work reviews and discusses rationales and challenges of G6PD screening program in Gaza Strip. We advocate adopting a national neonatal G6PD screening program in Gaza Strip to identify children at risk and promote wellness and health for Palestine.
