In a bid to “defend the well being of future generations,” the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced to make premarital genetic testing obligatory for all Emirati {couples} from January 2025, The Information reported on Thursday citing gulf nation’s WAM information company.
With a view to stop genetic sicknesses and enhance public well being, the Ministry of Well being and Prevention (MoHAP) is spearheading this programme with help from the Division of Well being in Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Well being Authority, Emirates Well being Companies, and Dubai Well being.
Through the UAE authorities annual conferences, the programme was just lately authorized following a call from the Emirates Genome Council.
The testing programme, which started as a pilot undertaking in Abu Dhabi in 2022, screened over 800 {couples}. Outcomes confirmed 86% of {couples} have been genetically suitable, whereas 14% required further household planning measures.
The programme is designed to establish genetic dangers early, enabling {couples} to make knowledgeable selections about beginning households.
The assessments cowl 570 genes linked to greater than 840 medical situations. By detecting potential genetic mutations, healthcare suppliers can cut back the prevalence of power illnesses comparable to cardiovascular situations and diabetes, contributing to higher long-term well being outcomes.
As per the MoHAP, the technique goals to create an built-in nationwide genetic database that can assist proactively establish genetic illnesses amongst Emiratis, facilitating early medical intervention.
The MoHAP emphasised that this determination would drive a transformative shift within the healthcare sector, utilising future applied sciences to make sure sustainable improvement and an enhanced high quality of life, in step with the UAE Centennial Imaginative and prescient 2071.
