ABU DHABI, 28 MAR, 2023 (WAM) – In the presence of His Highness the President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Genome Council launched the Emirates National Genome Strategy.
Over the next 10 years, the plan will provide a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to ensure the development and implementation of genomics programs to better meet the public health priorities of the UAE and the country as a whole.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated: “Science and knowledge have always been the key drivers of the UAE’s development. Our priority is to ensure the best care and quality of life for our people.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: “The National Genome Strategy recognizes the position of the country’s potential for the development of health research, innovation and the use of future technologies.”
HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office and Chairman of the Emirates Genome Council, UAE highlighted the leadership’s role in advancing its health.
HH Sheikh Khaled stated: “The launch of the National Genome Strategy creates a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem that will accelerate the development of priority prevention and personalized care solutions for our citizens. The plan will also oversee the “One Million Genomes” plan, which will contribute to the health sector and improve its services.” .
National Genome Strategy: basic pillars
The Emirates Genome Project, founded in 2021, has made great strides in establishing regulatory, research, technological and medical institutions to connect, collaborate and develop medical applications and quality services.
Secretary General of the Emirates Genome Council, Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri said: “With the National Genome Strategy, the plan aims to build a sustainable ecosystem to promote health and well-being in the UAE.
Our plan is based on five fundamental pillars: establishing a legal and governance framework; create a coherent and secure data infrastructure; develop world-class genomic research and innovation capabilities; focus on genomic applications that align with public health priorities; and create strategic partnerships that accelerate the delivery of best-in-breed software.”
Also, he highlighted the Emirates Genomics Program (EGP) as a fundamental project within the National Genomics Strategy. The project is considered one of the most extensive genomic projects in the world and will promote national programs on preventive and personal health care, as it collaborates with medical and research institutions across the UAE.
He added: “Knowing the genetic makeup of our citizens will help medical teams to provide individual health services. In addition, this wealth of information will help develop solutions to prevent the spread of genetic and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer.”
“Our database today contains the full genome sequence data of approximately 400,000 citizens. The goal is to collect one thousand per country and we hope to have the participation of all Emiratis.”
Al Amiri also shed light on the UAE’s Genome Reference program, which will analyze more than 50,000 Emirati genome samples using next-generation sequencing technology.
The study will lay the foundation for understanding the genetic basis of health and disease, help determine the genetic risk to each citizen’s health, and implement preventive and precision personalized treatments. The program is carried out in cooperation with the best researchers and institutions in the country.
He added: “There is a need for more clinical programs that use available genomic data and research, including the region’s first-of-its-kind medical oncology program, initial breast cancer screening programs, premarital genetic screening programs, pharmacogenomics programs, and more to be tested in the near future.” “
Advanced health, increasing capabilities
The Emirates Genome Council oversees all UAE genomic programs and projects, which are developed and implemented in collaboration with different stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Emirates Training Services, Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Health Authority, Dubai Health Corporation Academic, and academic, associated medical and technological institutions, such as Kabul, Kabul and Kabul, academic, medical and technological institutions, such as Khalifa University, Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, United Arab Emirates University, New York University – Abu Dhabi, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Sciences of Medicine, University of Sharjah, G42 Healthcare, Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Center, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Society for Health Services (SEHA) and Al Jalila Foundation.
The National Genome Strategy will contribute to the efficiency of the country’s health through preventive medicine programs in genetic risk and the accuracy of genetic medicine programs directed at rare diseases. It will also help clinicians take proactive steps to reduce the prevalence of certain diseases, provide early interventions, and help identify the most effective treatments. As a result, genomic sciences will reduce costs in the health sector and pharmaceuticals in the long term.
Genomic developments will also help create new economic opportunities in the UAE by attracting companies in fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced healthcare, medicine, research and technology. It will also foster a unique local character and create jobs and other opportunities to organize future industries.
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Asmaa Abdelazim/ P.
