The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) announced on Monday (August 18) the launch of the Newborn Genetic Screening Programme—a major step toward personalised, precision healthcare.
As one of the most comprehensive programmes of its kind globally, the initiative uses whole genome sequencing to screen newborns for over 815 treatable childhood genetic conditions.
These include metabolic disorders, immunodeficiencies, blood disorders, and rare diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy — many of which can be managed or cured with early intervention.
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In the programme’s initial phase, screening is being offered on a voluntary basis at Kanad Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital, in partnership with M42. The service is available to UAE Nationals and children of Emirati mothers born in Abu Dhabi.
Plans are already underway to expand the programme across all maternity hospitals in the emirate, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s leadership in preventive medicine.
This initiative is launched in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and the Emirati Genome Council.
