By Chizoba Okeke
The Anambra State House of Assembly has urged the state government to improve access to, and affordability of, Rho(D) Immune Globulin injection as part of efforts to prevent Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) among pregnant women in the state.
The call followed a motion sponsored by the member representing Ogbaru Constituency One, Hon. Noble Igwe, who raised concerns on Sept 23 over the health risks associated with Rh incompatibility between pregnant women and their unborn babies.
Igwe explained that HDN, also known as erythroblastosis fetalis, is a potentially serious condition that may occur when an Rh-negative mother develops antibodies against the Rh-positive red blood cells of her unborn baby.
He noted that the condition could lead to severe anaemia, jaundice, brain damage, heart failure and, in severe cases, stillbirth. He added that complications could also affect subsequent pregnancies if Rh sensitisation is not prevented.
According to the lawmaker, Rho(D) Immune Globulin, commonly known as RhoGAM, can help prevent Rh sensitisation when appropriately administered to eligible Rh-negative pregnant women.
Igwe expressed concern that many expectant mothers, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, remain vulnerable due to inadequate awareness of blood-group compatibility, limited access to prenatal screening and the high cost of the preventive injection.
He therefore called on the state government to strengthen public enlightenment on Rh incompatibility, expand access to blood-group and antenatal screening, and make Rho(D) Immune Globulin more affordable and readily available to women who require it.
Supporting the motion, Hon. Anayo Okpalaeke and other lawmakers underscored the importance of proactive maternal healthcare and early intervention in preventing avoidable complications among mothers and newborns.
The House subsequently adopted the motion following a vote presided over by the speaker, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, and urged relevant ministries and agencies of government to take appropriate measures to address the concerns raised.
Chizoba Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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