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,
I WRITE to express my growing concern about the increasing display of adult content on some television stations in the country.
These programmes, often aired during hours when children are most likely to be watching, pose a serious threat to their moral development and general well-being.
Television remains one of the strongest influences on young people, and stations have a responsibility to ensure that their content reflects the values we seek to instil in our society.
Unfortunately, some channels appear to prioritise sensationalism and profit over public safety and decency.
Such content not only exposes children to material they are not prepared to process but also undermines parents’ efforts to guide their behaviour.
I call on the National Media Commission (NMC) and other regulatory bodies to intensify monitoring and enforce stricter guidelines to protect viewers, especially minors.
Broadcasters must be reminded of their duty to promote responsible and wholesome programming.
Our airwaves should uplift, educate, and inform — not endanger the moral fabric of the next generation.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Accra
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Dear Editor,
I AM writing to share my thoughts on the ongoing issue at Wesley Girls’ Senior High School, which has attracted national attention after the Deputy Attorney General released a statement in court.
The matter is about whether Muslim students are being denied the right to freely practice their religion, and whether they are being compelled to follow practices that go against their faith.
To me, this is not just a legal issue but a question of fairness and respect in our schools.
While the Constitution guarantees every student the right to practice their faith, schools also have traditions and rules that must be respected. As the saying goes, “When you go to Rome, you do what Romans do.” If a teacher is teaching, it is not right for a student to suddenly leave for prayers. That disrupts learning.
Instead, schools should provide a clear time and place for worship, so that students can honour their faith without disturbing academic work. There is time for everything; time to learn, and time to pray.
Wesley Girls SHS can continue to uphold its Methodist heritage while also respecting the rights of Muslim students.
This compromise will protect unity and ensure that our schools remain places of both discipline and inclusion.
Princess Wonovi
Accra
Join our WhatsApp Channel now!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
