Editorial
Ensure medication for RBC antibody screening is available, affordable
According to a recent study, the lack of routine RBC antibody screening in the majority of hospitals is a factor in newborn fatalities, preterm deliveries, and stillbirths.
RBC antibody screening is a blood test which is essential for blood transfusions and pregnancy because it looks for antibodies that can destroy foreign red blood cells.
Based on the recent research, Dr. (Mrs.) Lilian Antwi Boateng, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Medical Diagnostics at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Ghana, estimates that these disorders occur at rates of 1.2 percent, 37.3 percent, and 2.3 percent, respectively.
Despite the fact that two injections administered during pregnancy and soon after delivery can virtually completely prevent sensitisation almost entirely, access remains limited. Furthermore, many women are left unprotected since the medication, which costs roughly GH₵750 each dose, is either unavailable or too expensive.
The cost of screening for RBC is affecting expectant mothers as most of them cannot afford to undergo the screening. As a result many babies are at risk of preventable complications and death.
It is therefore not a surprise that, according to the study, only 49 per cent of eligible mothers had received the injections, far below the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 100 per cent coverage.
The WHO recommends that RBC antibody screening should be a routine part of pre-transfusion testing and antenatal screening to ensure blood safety and prevent alloimmune complications. Alloimmune complications are adverse effects that occur when the body’s immune system attacks foreign cells, such as those from a different person or during pregnancy.
In view of that, health experts have called for urgent reforms: routine antenatal RBC antibody screening, enforcement of national protocols for RhD immunoprophylaxis, and inclusion of anti-D immunoglobulin in the National Health Insurance Scheme. They also recommend training healthcare providers to detect and manage maternal antibodies.
The Spectator is making a passionate appeal to the government to urgently include the cost of screening of RBC antibodies among others in the National Health Insurance, for every baby deserves the chance to be born healthy.
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Dear Editor,
The performance of the Black Stars of Ghana has plunged the entire nation into a joyful mood.
Very few people gave the team any chance at the World Cup but with the little they have shown, Ghanaians have shown massive support.
All the two matches they have played with England and Panama have been characterized by unending joy after the games.
Apart from the team’s performance, the theme song by Ghana’s ace musician, Kofi Kinata have taken the celebration to a new dimension.
The song resonates through every corner both match and non-match days. And when they are played through the large speakers, it gets both young and old dancing their hearts out.
This is a mood I wish Ghanaians would sustain for a long time to keep the unity and friendship among us. Within this period, politics have been relegated to the background and football dominating the discussion. This is what football can do, let’s keep it growing. For the Black Stars, we say ‘Ayekoo.’
Mawuli Quaye,
Accra
Dear Editor,
I have, over time, observed the growing practice of drying washed clothes on the pavements of some principal streets in Accra, as well as on the grassy medians of major roads.
This practice is often carried out by individuals who have made these public spaces their place of abode.
As a country that seeks to maintain a clean, orderly, and beautiful environment, I believe it is time for the government, through the relevant local authorities, to address this issue.
The use of pavements and road medians for drying clothes undermines efforts to promote cleanliness and urban beautification.
Furthermore, this situation could negatively affect Ghana’s tourism industry. Tourists who visit our country do not only come to see historical landmarks and tourist attractions; they also pay attention to the cleanliness, organization, and general appearance of our streets and public spaces.
The sight of clothes hanging on pavements and road medians creates an impression that is inconsistent with the image of a modern and welcoming city.
Equally disturbing is the practice of bathing children on road medians and street pavements. Apart from raising concerns about public hygiene and safety, such activities diminish the dignity and proper use of these public spaces.
As a concerned citizen, I believe that if we are truly committed to keeping our cities clean, attractive, and conducive to tourism and investment, then we must take decisive action.
Local authorities should enforce existing bylaws and regulations governing the use of public spaces and implement measures to prevent such practices.
By doing so, we can preserve the beauty of our cities and project a positive image of Ghana to both residents and visitors alike.
Kojo K,
Madina
News1 week agoFSD Africa, others launch Green Project Preparation Facility to unlock investment in climate infrastructure in Ghana
- News1 week ago
Bryan Acheampong calls for unity, urges Kennedy Agyapong to support Dr. Bawumia
- News1 week ago
Merck Foundation holds 13th Africa Asia Luminary with 12 First Ladies to advance healthcare capacity across Africa and Asia
