How Common is G6pD Deficiency?

About 10% of world population or around 600 million people are G6pD deficient. However, research shows that the most affected are people with African, Asian, Middle Easter and Mediterranean decent.

G6pD distribution Map 1995

Nevertheless, this figure only reflects those who are already tested with the condition. Some countries do not even have proper testing facilities to efficiently determine if you have G6pD deficiency or not.

Countries that do not have any data may have several hundred cases, but they won’t know it until the people are tested. For instance, about 10-15 years ago, the Philippinesdoes not show any G6pD deficiency case, but now that the law orders the implementation of newborn screening, the number of cases ballooned to 12% of its present population.