Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Dr. Mohamed AlAmeri, Section Head of Studies and Special Projects at the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi, spoke to Aletihad about the integration of genetic testing into the Premarital Screening Programme, and its effect in reducing hereditary diseases and improving the outcome of healthcare services.
He said genomics helps couples make informed health decisions, contributing to the prevention of hereditary diseases and supporting the Department's commitment to community health and wellbeing.
"The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), has supported over 800 Abu Dhabi-based couples in making informed health decisions before marriage during the pilot phase of the Premarital Screening Programme from 2022.
"This approach not only facilitates early identification of potential hereditary diseases but also significantly contributes to reducing the prevalence of genetic disorders within the community, building a healthier future for generations to come," he said.
According to Dr. AlAmeri, the programme aids Emirati couples in making better-informed decisions pertinent to health and family planning, thus ensuring personalised care.
"Recognising the importance of genetic compatibility in safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations, the genetic screening tests 570 genes for over 840 genetic disorders, enabling the detection of genetic risks - a crucial preventive measure for family planning."
The testing consists of counselling with health professionals and genetic counsellors to inform couples about possible risks and treatment choices.
Some genetic disorders commonly identified could lead to: vision and hearing loss, blood-clotting abnormalities, developmental delays, organ malfunction, hormonal imbalance, and seizures in children.
"This proactive approach not only safeguards individual families but also enhances the health of the broader community by promoting family wellbeing, reducing hereditary disorders and reinforcing DoH's commitment to a preventative healthcare model that prioritises the overall health of the community," he added.
The Premarital Screening Programme also detects potential disorders in the offspring that could affect their quality of life or lead to fatalities.
By embedding genetic testing in the Premarital Screening Programme, Abu Dhabi has transitioned from reactive to proactive healthcare, said Dr. AlAmeri.
"Programmes such as the Emirati Genome Programme (EGP) and Premarital Genetic Screening are paving the way for us to help to predict and prevent present and future genetic diseases and implement new therapies for rare and chronic diseases. This enables us to move towards a future where treatments are tailored to individuals, improving outcomes and minimising harmful effects."
The DoH offers free genetic testing for participants of the EGP and Thiqa insurance holders. This is to ensure accessibility and affordability for Emiratis planning to marry.
"Premarital genetic screening and counselling services are available at 22 primary healthcare centres across Abu Dhabi," he said.
To ensure genetic test results remain confidential, Dr. AlAmeri added: "Premarital genetic screening adheres to the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection. Results are exclusively disclosed to couples upon obtaining their consent, maintaining utmost privacy. The data generated from these tests is not shared with anyone other than the physician and other privileged medical professionals directly involved in the couple's care."
