by Norrice F. Victorio
In a continuing effort to support families following a positive newborn screening (NBS) result, the Newborn Screening Center-NIH successfully conducted a webinar entitled ”G6PD Deficiency Parent Forum” on December 15, 2025. The webinar aimed to provide parents, guardians, and healthcare providers with evidence-based strategies for managing this common genetic condition.
In her lecture, Dr. Jocelyn Rosita, G6PD Deficiency Experts Committee co-chair. provided a comprehensive overview of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, its genetic X-linked inheritance pattern and the importance of confirmatory testing. She emphasized that while newborn screening is an effective initial tool, a confirmatory test is mandatory for an accurate clinical diagnosis. The core of the webinar was an interactive open forum moderated by Dr. Alexandra Faye Cayabyab, follow-up head of NSC-NIH, that clarified issues about food and certain medications which can trigger hemolysis.
The webinar emphasized that while G6PD deficiency is a lifelong condition, it is highly manageable with proper knowledge and vigilance. By educating not only parents but also extended family members and schools, children with G6PD deficiency can grow in environments that are safe, informed, and supportive.
