The countries in the MENA regions observe high rates of infant mortality, morbidity, and physical and mental handicap. A large family size, older age of parents, and high consanguinity rates are some of the reasons for the high prevalence of congenital and genetic disorders in the region. The genetic disorders prevalent in the Arab population are glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD), haemoglobinopathies, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, fragile X syndrome (FXS), among many others.
However, over the years the countries in the MENA region have adopted several measures such as the development of primary health care systems, screening & genome studies programs, and many others to tackle the congenital and genetic disorders in the population. Along with these initiatives the leading universities and hospitals have collaborated with health authorities and government to analyze the genetic material of the respective countries' population. Similarly, some of the private players such as BGI and Oxford Nanopore Technologies are also working in collaboration with health authorities to launch a national Genome Program for understanding the citizens’ genomes. Over the years, the initiatives and measures taken by the government along with the private healthcare providers are expected to curb genetic disorders in the population.
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