Abu Dhabi: New genetic screening for newborns to detect 800+ conditions
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Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health (DoH) launched the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme on Monday, August 18. The programme aims to detect and treat childhood genetic conditions at an early stage.
The screening uses whole-genome sequencing to test for more than 815 conditions. These include metabolic disorders, immunodeficiencies, blood disorders and rare diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy. Many can be treated with early medical intervention, including gene therapy.
With parental consent, doctors collect cord blood samples at birth. The results are delivered within 21 days. If a condition is found, families are referred to genetic counsellors and specialist doctors.
“Healthcare begins long before symptoms appear and today, empowered by science and technology, we can act earlier than ever before", said Dr Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health, Abu Dhabi.
“Through early detection, personalised care and strategic foresight, we are building a future of healthier generations and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in proactive, precision healthcare", she added.
Dr Mohamed Al Ameri, Acting Director of the Genome and Biobank Division, said, “As we work to integrate genomics into our preventative healthcare infrastructure, we aim to expand this initiative to all maternity hospitals in the emirate, demonstrating how genomics can reshape healthcare, shifting from a one-size-fits-all model to a precise, proactive, and personalised approach that improves patient outcome".
In the first phase, the screening is voluntary. It is available at Kanad Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital in partnership with M42. The service covers UAE Nationals and children of Emirati mothers born in Abu Dhabi.
The DoH plans to expand the programme to all maternity hospitals in the emirate.
To support the rollout, a workshop was held with healthcare specialists to review the gene panel and patient journey. In collaboration with M42, 16 paediatricians and neonatologists from Corniche Hospital, Danat Al Emarat and Kanad Hospital were trained in genetic counselling. Further workshops were held for obstetricians, midwives, nurses and technical staff.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Emirati Genome Council.