The Emirati Genome Programme
The Emirati Genome Programme is a national project which aims to use genomic data to improve the health of the Emirati population. The project involves scientific study and research aimed at profiling and determining the gene sequencing among UAE Nationals to aid in the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases.
According to a news report in 2012, 75 out of 1000 babies born in the UAE suffer from a birth defect, which is mostly of genetic origin. Most scientists and researchers have attributed marriages between close relatives as the major cause of genetic disorders.
As per another news report of 2013, the UAE Genetics Diseases Association estimates that there may be more than 400 genetic diseases in the country. The report adds that genetic disorders are the fourth-highest cause of deaths in the UAE and that the UAE is ranked sixth among 193 countries in terms of prevalence of birth defects, mainly due to genetic causes.
Centre for Arab Genomic Studies aims to prevent genetic disorders in Arab countries by taking advantage of modern science and technology in human genetics. It does so by identifying disease-causing genes in the Arab population, raising public awareness about the diseases and addressing the ethical, legal and social issues that may arise from genetic applications besides achieving other complementing objectives.
In order to prevent further cases of genetic disorders or other disorders arising in offsprings of marriages between close relatives and transmission of contagious diseases, a pre-marriage mutual check is mandatory for residents and citizens who wish to get married in the UAE. Read about pre-marriage mutual check in the UAE.
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