Following the demise of Ghanaian popular gospel musician Kofi Owusu Dua Anto (KODA) news circulating about His health issues has been very tough and hard to understand. In a video circulating on social media after news on His demise the singer was worried about how his medication was wrongly administered to him and the toll it has had on him.

In this article Dr. George Anagli explains into details what actually we need to know on the whole KODA health issue;

1. We can neither blame him nor the healthcare team, as we were all not there and don’t have details about his case.

2. G6PD (Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) is actually an enzyme that protects your Red Blood Cells from being destroyed.

3. Note that your Red Blood Cells (RBCs) play a crucial role in transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the lungs and other parts of the body.

4. Now if someone is G6PD deficient, it just means that there aren’t enough of this enzyme in their body to protect the red blood cells. Hence, their RBCs are easily damaged. It is genetic condition.

5. For such individuals, what they ingest is of great concern as taking some foods, certain drugs (herbal preparations, some antibiotics, some antimalarials, painkillers, etc) can trigger the damage of their Red blood Cells. It can actually be fatal.

6. Some people are G6PD full defect, meaning there’s very little or no functioning enzyme. Others are partial defect meaning, there’s some enzyme activity but not enough to fully protect the red blood cells.

7. This is one of the reasons why I always advise against self-medication. You may be G6PD deficient without knowing it, and then you end up taking a drug that you’re not supposed to.

8. If you’re reading this and you do not know your G6PD status (most of you), kindly go and check. Go to a hospital or any lab to check.

9. And if you’re aware that you’re G6PD deficient, let everyone around you know. Your healthcare provider, kids, husband, girlfriend, boyfriend, everyone should know about your status. SING IT LIKE YOUR ANTHEM.

10. Lastly, do not take any medication without informing your healthcare provider, especially your pharmacist.

Also, remember to ask questions before you leave the hospital or pharmacy.