The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi announced the inclusion of genetic testing as an essential part of the pre-marital screening programme for Emiratis in the emirate, starting October 1.
The step is based on its keenness to empower individuals to make the best health choices for themselves and their families.
The inclusion followed the success of the pilot phase that was launched in 2022 in co-operation with the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, during which around 800 couples received the necessary support and underwent genetic testing in Abu Dhabi to enable them to make informed decisions about the future health of their families.
The data of the programme showed that 86 per cent of couples successfully verified genetic compatibility, while only 14 per cent of them needed additional intervention and developed a suitable plan to start their families based on their genetic results.
The test includes 570 genes for more than 840 medical conditions and enhances the ability to detect genetic risks or potential hereditary conditions. As the most important preventive measures when planning to start a family, the test includes consultation with a healthcare professional and genetic counselors to achieve a comprehensive understanding of potential risks and available treatment options.
The most common genetic mutations among couples may lead children to be exposed to vision loss, hearing loss, blood clotting, delayed growth, organ failure, hormonal imbalance, severe seizures, among others.
The department indicated that genetic testing and premarital counseling services are available in 22 primary health care centers across Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra, and Al Ain. As part of premarital examinations, Emiratis intending to get married undergo genetic tests to detect mutations shared by both parties that they may pass on to their children in the future and may cause preventable diseases.
Based on the importance of genetic compatibility for protecting the health of future generations, the department recommends that all those intending to get married undergo the tests, noting that the results of the genetic test takes 14 days to be issued and this enables them to make informed decisions for their future and the future of their families early. Genetic testing is provided to all Emiratis in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Dr. Ahmed Al Khazraji, Acting Director General of Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre, said: “The premarital screening programme plays a key role in protecting the health of those about to get married by detecting hereditary blood diseases and infectious diseases, and providing appropriate advice in line with the centre’s commitment to maintaining the safety of members of the society. Today, with the department’s inclusion of the programme, we are moving forward to benefit from genomic sciences by providing members of the society with information and advice that enables them to make informed decisions for a healthier future.”
Dr. Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of Research and Innovation Centre at the department, said: “The inclusion of genetic testing is an ambitious and significant step in Abu Dhabi, which continues to consolidate its position as a leading global healthcare destination. It ensures harnessing the potential of genomic sciences and the emirate’s latest technologies to enhance the ability to make informed decisions and establish a healthy family. It helps prevent the transmission of genetic diseases to children and enhances the ability to intervene early at various stages, including diagnosis, personal genetic counseling and the development of reproductive medicine solutions for couples.”
In light of such innovative initiatives, Abu Dhabi continues to establish global standards for preventive care and move from care based on responding to the disease after it occurs to the concept of healthcare based on comprehensive planning and informed decision-making, she said.
The department continues to benefit from the advanced infrastructure and healthcare system with a view to harnessing the capabilities of the Emirati Genome Programme, translating the advanced genetic data it provides to predict health conditions among individuals and those about to get married and continuing to improve the provided health services.
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