The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has announced that genetic testing will become an integral part of premarital screening for all Emirati’s planning to marry in the emirate as of 1 October 2024. The integration of genetic testing aims to enable community members to make informed health decisions for themselves and their families.
Following the success of the pilot phase launched in 2022 in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), DoH supported more than 800 Abu Dhabi-based couples in making informed health decisions before marriage. Data shows that 86 per cent achieved genetic compatibility and only 14 per cent required additional intervention and family planning based on genetic results.
The comprehensive genetic screening tests for autosomal recessive 570 genes contributing to more than 840 genetic disorders. Consulting with healthcare professionals and genetic counsellors is essential for a comprehensive understanding of the potential risks and available treatment options. The most common genetic disorders can lead to children born with loss of vision and hearing, blood clotting disorders, developmental delays, organ function failure, hormonal imbalances, and seizures, among others.
Offered in 22 primary care centres across Abu Dhabi, Al Dhafra and Al Ain, the premarital genetic test reflects DoH’s dedication to providing valuable insights that empower individuals to make informed health decisions and the best choices for their future families.
The comprehensive premarital genetic screening is a process in which couples undergo genetic tests to identify if they are carriers of shared genetic mutations that could be passed on to their future children and cause preventable genetic diseases.
Recognising the importance of genetic compatibility in safeguarding the health and well-being of future generations, DoH encourages couples to take into consideration the issuance of the premarital screening genetic test results, which will take up to 14 days. This ensures that they receive the results in time to make informed decisions early in the process. The genetic test is available for all citizens in Abu Dhabi emirate.
His Excellency Dr Ahmed AlKhazraji, Acting Director General of the Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre (ADPHC), said: “The Premarital Screening Programme plays a vital role in protecting the health of couples planning to marry by detecting infectious diseases and inherited blood disorders, while offering appropriate genetic counselling. This aligns with Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre's mission to safeguard community health. With the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi now integrating genetic testing into the programme, we are harnessing genomic science to provide couples with insights that guide them to make informed decisions for a healthier for future for themselves and their families.”
Dr Asma Al Mannaei, Executive Director of the Research and Innovation Centre at DoH, said: “The integration of genetic testing as part of the premarital screening programme is a proud milestone for Abu Dhabi. It positions the emirate at the forefront of leading healthcare destinations globally, harnessing the power of genomics and the latest technologies to promote informed decisions. Thus, safeguarding the health and well-being of community members today, as well as the generations of tomorrow. This step aims to prevent genetic diseases and elevate early intervention through different phases, including diagnostic, tailored genetic counselling and introducing reproductive medicine solutions for couples.
“Through similar approaches, Abu Dhabi continues to set a global standard in proactive healthcare, marking a significant paradigm shift from traditional and reactive healthcare to informed and holistic health planning and decisions.”
DoH continues to leverage the emirate’s advanced healthcare infrastructure and innovative ecosystem to utilise the DNA sequencing technology to foresee medical conditions among individuals and encourage the translation into clinical practice of advanced genetic data provided through the Emirati Genome Programme.
