In Yemen, years of conflict, economic hardship, and fragile healthcare infrastructure have created numerous public health challenges. Among the lesser-known yet significant health concerns is Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a genetic blood disorder that many Yemenis may unknowingly live with due to limited access to diagnostic services and health education.
G6PD deficiency is an inherited condition that affects the red blood cells’ ability to function properly. Individuals with this disorder lack sufficient levels of the G6PD enzyme, which helps protect red blood cells from damage. When exposed to certain triggers—such as specific medications, infections, or foods—people with G6PD deficiency can develop hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells break down faster than the body can replace them.
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia may include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, jaundice, dark urine, rapid heartbeat, and weakness. In severe cases, individuals may faint or pass out because their blood cannot carry enough oxygen throughout the body. Many people may assume these episodes are caused by low iron, but in G6PD deficiency, the main issue is the destruction of red blood cells rather than a simple iron shortage.
The danger of fava beans, which is the most common and dangerous triggers for people with G6PD deficiency, locally known as ful. Fava beans are widely consumed in Yemen and are an important part of traditional meals. However, for individuals with G6PD deficiency, eating fava beans can trigger a sudden breakdown of red blood cells, leading to severe anemia.
After consuming fava beans, affected individuals may quickly develop symptoms such as extreme tiredness, pale skin, yellowing of the eyes, dark-colored urine, and in serious cases, fainting or collapse. Because fava beans are culturally common and affordable, many families remain unaware that they can pose a serious health risk to certain individuals.
While sunlight itself is not a direct medical trigger of red blood cell destruction, prolonged exposure to intense sun and extreme heat—common in many regions of Yemen—can worsen symptoms in individuals with G6PD deficiency. Excessive heat can lead to dehydration and physical stress on the body, which may aggravate anemia symptoms and increase the risk of dizziness, weakness, and fainting.
For people who already have reduced red blood cell levels, working long hours under strong sunlight without proper hydration or rest can make oxygen delivery to the body even more difficult, increasing the likelihood of passing out or collapsing.
G6PD deficiency is relatively common in the Middle East, including Yemen, due to inherited genetic patterns. However, accurate data on its prevalence in Yemen remains limited. Many rural and underserved communities lack screening programs, leaving families unaware of their genetic risk.
Newborn screening for G6PD deficiency, which is standard in many countries, is often unavailable or inconsistent in Yemen. As a result, many children grow up without diagnosis, increasing their vulnerability to preventable health complications.
Several factors contribute to low awareness of G6PD deficiency in Yemen.
Ongoing conflict has severely damaged medical facilities, reduced laboratory capacity, and disrupted healthcare services. Many clinics lack the equipment necessary to perform routine blood tests for G6PD deficiency.
For many families, basic healthcare remains financially inaccessible. Preventive testing is often considered a luxury rather than a necessity, especially when families struggle to afford daily essentials.
Awareness campaigns about genetic conditions and inherited disorders are scarce. Many Yemenis may not recognize the link between foods like fava beans, certain medications, intense heat exposure, and sudden illness or fainting episodes.
A large portion of Yemen’s population lives in rural areas where transportation barriers and shortages of healthcare professionals limit access to diagnostic services.
Traditional Yemeni diets include fava beans and various herbal remedies that may unknowingly trigger hemolytic episodes in individuals with G6PD deficiency. Additionally, Yemen’s hot climate and outdoor labor conditions can place additional stress on affected individuals. Without proper diagnosis or awareness, families may repeatedly expose affected members to dangerous triggers. Some medications, including certain antibiotics and pain relievers, may also cause severe reactions.
The lack of diagnosis and awareness can lead to repeated medical emergencies, increased child mortality, and long-term health complications. Hospitals already strained by conflict and limited resources must manage preventable cases of severe anemia, dehydration-related complications, and collapse caused by red blood cell destruction.
Addressing G6PD deficiency in Yemen requires coordinated efforts from healthcare authorities, humanitarian organizations, and local communities. Key strategies may include:
- Expanding newborn screening programs through international aid and mobile health clinics.
- Training healthcare workers to recognize symptoms and educate families about avoiding triggers such as fava beans, unsafe medications, and prolonged exposure to extreme heat without hydration.
- Developing public awareness campaigns using text messages, schools, and community leaders.
- Providing affordable testing and distributing educational materials that explain early warning signs such as severe tiredness, jaundice, dark urine, and fainting.
G6PD deficiency represents a hidden but manageable health challenge in Yemen. The widespread consumption of fava beans, harsh climate conditions, and limited health awareness increase the risk of serious medical episodes, including severe anemia and loss of consciousness. With increased education, improved screening, and stronger healthcare support, many complications associated with this genetic disorder can be prevented. Addressing this issue is an important step toward strengthening public health and protecting vulnerable communities across Yemen.
سبحانك اللهم وبحمدك أشهد ان لا اله الا انت استغفرك وأتوب اليك