In a move to complete the premarital screening program for all UAE nationals intending to marry, compulsory genetic testing will come into effect with effect from January 2025.
Medical screening for marriage had long been compulsory for both nationals and expatriates; however, genetic testing was optional. The Emirates Genome Council formed the decision to implement this practice during the annual UAE government meetings.
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It has been said that more than 570 genetic mutations that may indicate hereditary disorders such as cardiomyopathy, genetic epilepsy, spinal muscular atrophy, hearing impairment, cystic fibrosis, and many others-in fact, chronic or serious diseases that are difficult to treat be identified by genetic testing.
This initiative is expected to devise and implement a fully-fledged national genetic database for the timely identification of genetic disorders in Emiratis, thereby enabling early medical intervention.
It reflects a shift in the country’s healthcare landscape, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention. The use of advanced technologies, hence, becomes disentangled from the UAE Centennial Vision 2071 which seeks sustainable development and improved quality of life.
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The Ministry further stated that it is working collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the program’s success. Medical staff, specialized expertise, guidelines, and technical infrastructure are already in place as part of the National Genome Strategy to facilitate the implementation of genetic testing for Emirati couples preparing for marriage.