Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
Abu Dhabi Department of Health announced that genetic testing will be a mandatory part of premarital screenings for all Emirati citizens starting January 2025.
During a keynote session on the importance of the Emirati Genome Programme, presented by Dr. Noura Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, as part of the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2024, the Emirates Genome Council announced that genetic testing will be a fundamental component of premarital screening programme for all Emirati citizens nationwide.
Al Ghaithi stated that the genetic testing, as part of premarital screening, covers 570 genes associated with more than 840 genetic disorders.
“This preventive measure safeguards community members from hereditary diseases and allows couples to undergo genetic testing to determine if they carry shared genetic mutations that could be passed on to their offspring, potentially causing preventable genetic diseases. Common genetic mutations among couples can lead to conditions such as vision and hearing loss, blood clotting disorders, developmental delays, organ failure, hormonal imbalances, and severe seizures,” she explained.
She added, "Genetic testing contributes to preserving the health and well-being of community members and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. It also empowers couples to make informed decisions when planning to start a family, in addition to preventing the transmission of genetic diseases to children and enhancing the ability for early intervention at various stages, including diagnosis, personalised genetic counselling, and developing reproductive solutions for couples."
Health recommendations
She urged all couples planning to get married to undergo genetic testing, noting that the test results take approximately 14 days to process. She pointed out that all participants in the Emirati Genome Programme receive health recommendations based on their genetic data, enabling them to make informed decisions.
In essence, the UAE is taking a proactive step to improve public health by making genetic testing mandatory for premarital screenings. This measure aims to reduce the incidence of genetic diseases and provide couples with valuable information to make informed decisions about family planning.
Emirati genes
Al Ghaithi emphasised that thanks to the data provided by the Emirati Genome Programme, 12 percent of new genetic variants have been discovered. These findings include the fact that over 25 percent of Emiratis have genes that make them more resilient to psychological stress, 46 percent of Emiratis have genetic variants that aid in lactose digestion in dairy products, and 20 percent of future generations of Emiratis have a higher risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.
She affirmed that the Emirates Genome Council chaired by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is instrumental in solidifying the UAE's position as a leading hub for genomics research and innovation, providing world-class healthcare in the UAE, and adopting preventive and proactive treatment programmes.
Additionally, it empowers the medical sector to reduce the prevalence of genetic disorders and physical and intellectual disabilities.
She stated that the Council oversees the development and success of the Emirati Genome Programme, enabling it to become one of the largest population genomics initiatives and one of the largest genomic databases in the world by collecting 750,000 samples, aiming to reach its goal of one million samples.
