Latest news with #PremaritalGeneticScreeningProgramme
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
Department of Health - Abu Dhabi highlights sickle cell awareness efforts
19 June 2025 14:30 ABU DHABI (WAM)Executive Director of the Health Life Sciences Sector at the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, affirmed that World Sickle Cell Day, marked annually on 19th June, is a vital occasion to raise awareness about the disease, support patients and their families, and shed light on efforts aimed at reducing its health and social Al Mannaei told WAM that Sickle cell disease remains a significant public health concern globally, affecting the quality of life for patients and placing long-term pressure on families. "At the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, we are committed to reshaping that reality through innovation, early detection and personalised care. Our mission is to foster a healthy population, deliver best-in-class care, and drive continuous resilience and innovation."Dr. Al Mannaei added, "Supported by powerful Artificial Intelligence tools, driven by data and genomic sciences, we are building a system that predicts, prevents and acts.""Our efforts begin with prevention. Through the Premarital Genetic Screening Programme, we empower couples to make informed decisions that help reduce the prevalence of genetic conditions such as sickle cell in future generations."She continued, 'We then move to prediction, where we are shifting from a reactive approach to proactive and personalised care approach for sickle cell, by utilising platforms such as the Emirati Genome Programme. By integrating sickle cell disease in the newly launched Newborn Genetic Screening Programme, we can ensure early detection, timely intervention and healthier outcomes for families across the Emirate.'Dr. Al Mannaei also praised the introduction of innovative treatments. In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Centre and global partner Vertex Pharmaceuticals, the Department has introduced CASGEVY, a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene-editing therapy for patients with sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia."This marks the first time this cutting-edge treatment is available in the UAE," she added that, beyond treatment, investment in scientific research remains a top priority. In partnership with the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma'an, and through the Research and Innovation Fund, the Department is supporting research that addresses key healthcare priorities. One of the grant awardees received funding for research focused on anaemia and sickle cell disease, examining their impact on healthspan.
Sharjah 24
14-03-2025
- Health
- Sharjah 24
Khaled bin Mohamed chairs Emirates Genome Council meeting
Advancing precision medicine and public health During the meeting, the board discussed plans to prioritise precision medicine initiatives aimed at enhancing public health, improving the efficiency of the healthcare system, driving economic growth, and establishing the UAE as a global leader in genomics. Sheikh Khaled reaffirmed the UAE leadership's commitment to advancing health and wellbeing through research and development in longevity, precision medicine, and preventative care. New population screening programmes His Highness Sheikh Khaled endorsed new population screening programmes to accelerate genome-driven personalised healthcare. These programmes include newborn genetic screenings, adult disease screenings, personalised fertility programmes, and cardiovascular genetic screenings. These initiatives aim to identify genetic conditions early and provide personalised treatments for affected individuals. Updates on key genomic research and initiatives Sheikh Khaled was briefed on the completion of the Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Emirati Reference Genome study, which aims to enhance precision medicine by filling gaps in genomic data. He was also updated on the progress of the Premarital Genetic Screening Programme, launched in January 2025, which supports couples in making informed family planning decisions by identifying genetic compatibility and providing personalised counseling. Emirati Genome Programme progress The Emirati Genome Programme has made significant progress, with more than 700,000 genetic samples collected from UAE citizens. Additionally, the program has started collecting samples from other nationalities to address global gaps in genomic data and promote international collaboration in precision medicine research. Future of healthcare transformation The Emirati Genome Programme is a critical component of the National Genome Strategy and will play a pivotal role in transforming healthcare services in the UAE. By providing high-quality genetic data, it will help researchers and healthcare providers understand genetic diseases, predict disease susceptibility, and create personalised healthcare plans. Attendees of the meeting The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs; Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; and other prominent health leaders.
Khaleej Times
14-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 2,400 couples undergo premarital genetic screening; 92% found compatible
Around 2,400 couples have undergone premartial genetic screening so far with 92% found to be compatible, as part of the UAE's Genome Programme, it was announced on Friday. Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is also the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, chaired a meeting of the Emirates Genome Council, and the council approved programmes for newborn genetic screenings, expanded genetic screening for adults in the UAE Genome Programme, personalised fertility and cardiovascular genetic screening.. The Premarital Genetic Screening Programme was implemented from January 1, 2025 by the Ministry of Health and Prevention, in collaboration with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, Emirates Heath Services, Dubai Health Authority, and strategic partners. To date, it has supported 2,428 couples, finding more than 92 per cent genetically compatible through comprehensive genetic screening of 570 genes linked to more than 840 genetic disorders. Couples who required additional support were provided personalised genetic counselling to assess and diagnose risk factors and offer potential solutions to support family planning decisions. The programme aims to safeguard community members from hereditary diseases and empower couples to utilise genetic data to make informed decisions in family planning, preserving the health and wellbeing of community members and ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. New population screening programmes The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince endorsed new population screening programmes that expand the utilisation of genomic data and accelerate genome-driven personalised healthcare in the UAE. The programmes include newborn genetic screenings, enhanced screenings of adult participants in the Emirati Genome Programme, provision of personalised fertility programmes, and cardiovascular genetic screening. The newborn genetic screening programme will assess genetic conditions with available treatments and early intervention options for infants, assessing 733 genes to test for more than 800 conditions. Population disease screenings, for adults participating in the Emirati Genome Programme, aim to further identify actionable and relevant conditions for UAE nationals, by assessing 94 genes linked to more than 50 genetic conditions. The personalised fertility programme assesses 186 genes linked to more than 130 genetic conditions, to provide personalised medicine recommendations and treatments for couples. Cardiovascular screenings will provide genetic diagnosis and treatment, as well as early prevention, for cardiovascular related conditions through the assessment of more than 800 genes linked to more than 100 genetic conditions. T2T Emirati Reference Genome study Sheikh Khaled was briefed on the completion of the landmark Telomere-to-Telomere (T2T) Emirati Reference Genome study aimed at advancing precision medicine for communities in the UAE. The study, by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Khalifa University and M42, bridges critical gaps in genomic data and provides a vital resource that enhances the ability to compare with other reference genomes, supporting the advancement of disease research, pharmacogenomics and the development of Emirati-specific targeted therapies. Emirati Genome Programme progress The Abu Dhabi Crown Prince was also updated on the progress of the Emirati Genome Programme, which has collected more than 700,000 genetic samples from citizens across the nation, marking significant progress towards the overall target of 1 million. In addition, the Emirati Genome Programme has completed the collection of 100,000 samples from participants from different nationalities for a new initiative that leverages the UAE's advanced genomic capabilities. The project, in collaboration with M42, helps reduce gaps in genomic data globally by providing insights into genetic mutations affecting over 2.5 billion people across different ethnicities, with the aim to drive further collaboration on precision medicine research and solutions. The Emirati Genome Programme is a key project under the National Genome Strategy and will support the transformation of healthcare services in the UAE by providing high-quality genetic data that enables researchers, physicians and scientists to identify the causes of genetic diseases, understand the type of genetic mutations, anticipate susceptibility to some diseases, and develop effective personalised healthcare plans.
