In Ghana, a condition known as kernicterus is leaving a trail of devastation in its wake, as families struggle to come to terms with the lifelong consequences of untreated severe jaundice. For the Mensah family, their son's yellowish skin, which was initially seen as a sign of good health, turned out to be a warning sign of a more serious condition. Despite their efforts to seek home remedies and spiritual help, their son was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that could have been treated if detected early.
Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that affects many newborns in Ghana, with approximately six in 10 full-term babies developing it in their first few days of life. While it is normal for babies to develop jaundice, it can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a blood infection or a blockage in the bile ducts. Dr. Efua Yankah, a paediatrician and clinical care coordinator at Ho Municipal Hospital, warns that visible symptoms do not always match the danger, and that a yellow skin is just the alarm.
According to Dr. Yankah, behind the yellow skin, there could be a range of underlying conditions, including a blood infection, a different blood type between mother and baby, or a condition known as Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. For G6PD babies, common home practices like adding camphor or naphthalene balls to clothes and water can trigger a crisis and push bilirubin to brain-damaging levels. It is essential for mothers to be aware of the signs of jaundice and to seek medical attention immediately if they suspect that their baby is at risk.
The treatment for neonatal jaundice is simple and available in Ghana, involving a blood test to determine the bilirubin level, followed by phototherapy or an exchange transfusion if necessary. However, some mothers still rely on traditional remedies, such as sunlight, glucose water, and putting breast milk in the baby's eyes, which can waste precious time and exacerbate the condition. Dr. Yankah emphasizes that every yellow baby must be tested, and that hospital tests can determine the underlying cause of the jaundice.
In the Volta Region, health workers are intensifying education for mothers on jaundice in newborns, with a focus on antenatal clinics and Child Welfare Clinics. According to statistics provided by Dr. Emmanuel Atsu Dodor, the Volta Regional Director of Health Service, the region recorded 1,323 cases of neonatal jaundice in 2023, representing a rate of 3.29 percent of all newborns seen. While the figure dropped slightly in 2024, it rose again in 2025, highlighting the need for sustained awareness and education.
Community outreach programs and awareness campaigns are being organized to debunk myths that attribute jaundice to spiritual causes and to advise mothers to recognize yellow babies and seek medical care. Dr. Roch Sotindjo, a specialist gynaecologist, emphasizes that neonatal jaundice requires a united effort from all stakeholders, including families, communities, frontline healthcare workers, and policymakers, to avoid the devastating consequences of its neglect.
For the Mensah family, the consequences of neglect have been severe, with their son facing lifelong mobility challenges and delayed development. The family that once celebrated his golden skin now lives with irreversible regret and emotional trauma. The Ghana Health Service advises parents to attend Child Welfare Clinic visits within 48 hours after birth, and at two, six, and 10 weeks, to prevent disability and save lives.
Key points
- Untreated severe jaundice can lead to lifelong consequences, including cerebral palsy and mobility challenges.
- Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that requires timely medical intervention to prevent devastating consequences.
- Education and awareness campaigns are crucial in preventing neonatal jaundice and promoting early detection and treatment.
