329 husbands benefited from “genetic examination before marriage”

The Emirates Health Services Corporation revealed that the number of beneficiaries of the genetic test within the pre -marital examinations of citizens, within its health centers, reached during the first month of its application compulsory 329 husbands, while the number of cases that match genetic mutations reached 11 pairs, after it began to apply it compulsory For all citizens who are about to marry, starting last January.

The Foundation confirmed to «Emirates Today» that the genetic examination of those coming to marry is one of its projects that are implemented in partnership with the Emirates Council for Genome, with 22 centers of primary health care centers, distributed over six emirates within the country, noting that through the project, blood tests are carried out For those who are about to marry, to determine a number of genetic diseases for those who are about to marry and determine the chances of their transition to children, in order to educate husbands and provide solutions or alternatives regarding the future reproduction.

The Foundation affirmed dealing with cases by providing genetic advice to couples who hold identical genetic mutations, pointing out that the advice aims to provide sufficient information to help the spouses take a deliberate decision for the family future, and it does not occur, including the prevention of marriage. It also provides appropriate and available solutions if the desire to continue to marry and have children.

She pointed out that comprehensive genetic tests cover 570 genes for more than 840 genetic diseases, such as myocardial illness, genetic epilepsy, spinal muscles atrophy, hearing loss, cystic fibrosis, etc., while the genetic test is very important, as it is a procedure that helps those who come to marry in evaluating risks They have children with genetic diseases, and their support to make conscious deliberate decisions when planning to establish a family.

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection stated that among the diseases covered by the genetic examination is cognitive and motor disabilities, deafness, early vision loss, immunity deficiency, and birth defects, noting that the results of the genetic test are the compatibility between the spouses only, meaning that if the two partners carry the boom The genetic itself, they will be incompatible, and so on, the results are compatible.

The Ministry indicated on its official pages on social media platforms, that the result of “compatible” means that the results of both partners are negative, and the initial care doctor provides the necessary advice and information during the pre -marriage consulting session, but if it is “incompatible”, both partners carry the same genes. , Where the genetic science consultant provides genetic advice, and for the most difficult rare cases, the clinical genetic expert is available to provide support.

As for the difference between pre -marriage checks, which were previously conducted and the genetic test, the ministry confirmed that pre -marriage checks were contributing to detection of infectious diseases and specific types of genetic diseases, including Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia.

She stated that the tests reduce the concern of the spouses, especially if there is a family history of some genetic diseases or the marriage of relatives, and reduces the physical and psychological burden on the family by providing advice early, as well as providing support to husbands, providing them with the necessary information, and providing appropriate interventions and referrals As needed.

Eight services provided for those who are about to marry through the genetic test, namely: reviewing the medical and family history that includes genetic diseases, the necessary blood analyzes, and coordination to obtain pre -marriage consultations with healthcare professionals, who have experience in providing consulting for genetic diseases that can be transmitted From spouses for future generations.

She added: «Among the services provided also to provide the necessary vaccinations, such as German measles vaccination, hepatitis B for individuals exposed to infection, providing human papilloma vaccination to females who have not obtained it before, providing education and health guidance on health pregnancy, prenatal consultations, and research Discussing couples and answering their inquiries related to the results of the pre -marriage checks, and a comprehensive genetic examination of the most common genetic mutation.