Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is one of the most common 
human enzyme deficiencies in the world. It is particularly common in populations 
living in malaria-endemic areas, affecting more than 400 million people 
worldwide. This present study was conducted with the aim of determining the 
prevalence of G6PD deficiency among children visiting the Emergency Paediatric 
Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital for pediatric-related 
care. The study included 118 children, made up of 77 (65.3%) males and 41 
(34.7%) females aged ≤5 years with mean age of 3.26 ± 1.90 years. Randox G6PD 
quantitative in vitro test screening was used for the diagnosis of G6PD 
deficiency. Of the 118 children tested, 17 (14.4%) were G6PD-deficient. 
Prevalence of G6PD deficiency was concentrated predominantly among male children 
(22.1%). Male sex was significantly correlated with G6PD deficiency among the 
children studied (r = 7.85, P = 0.01). The highest prevalence occurred among 
children in the 2- to 5-year age-group. Of the 17 G6PD-deficient children, 
twelve (70.2%) were moderately deficient, while five (29.4%) were severely 
deficient. Blood film from G6PD-deficient children indicated the following 
morphological changes; Heinz bodies, schistocytes, target cells, nucleated red 
cells, spherocytes, and polychromasia. This present study has shown a high 
prevalence of G6PD deficiency among children residing in Sokoto in the 
northwestern geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The study indicated a male sex bias 
in the prevalence of G6PD deficiency among the children studied. There is a need 
for the routine screening of children for G6PD deficiency in our environment, to 
allow for evidence-based management of these children and to ensure the 
avoidance of food, drugs, and infective agents that can potentially predispose 
these children to oxidative stress as well as diseases that deplete 
micronutrients that protect against oxidative stress. There is need to build 
capacity in our setting among pediatricians to ensure the effective management 
of children with G6PD deficiency.