Beginning in early January 2025, all Emiratis who intend to be married countrywide will be required to undergo genetic testing as part of the premarital screening program, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP). This project is the result of an Emirates Genome Council decision that was accepted in the yearly meetings of the UAE government.
To protect the health of future generations and guarantee that Emirati families enjoy long-term wellness and a good standard of living, the Ministry emphasized that this decision marks a paradigm shift in the nation’s healthcare system.
Additionally, by taking this step, the UAE’s health sector is positioned to lead the world in developing its healthcare cadres and research skills for reproductive medicine solutions and genetic disease prevention. Increasing the use of genomic sciences fortifies ties between healthcare organizations domestically and abroad.
The Ministry emphasized that, by the National Genome Strategy, it has already supplied medical personnel, specialized knowledge, guidelines, and technical infrastructure to implement genetic testing for Emiratis who are getting married. It is working as a cohesive national team in close coordination with all pertinent authorities.
To facilitate early medical intervention, the approach seeks to establish an integrated national genetic database that will aid in the proactive identification of genetic illnesses among Emiratis.
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