Frequently Asked Questions

It is a pioneering genomic Newborn Screening Research Program, that includes all newborns in Bahrain. A small blood sample is taken from the umbilical cord and stored in the biobank using specialized methods, with the aim of conducting whole genomic sequencing in the gradual phases of the program. This program aims to achieve several sustainable goals, including:

1. Early detection of genetic diseases and the development of a comprehensive national health outlook for future generations.
2. Enhancing treatment opportunities and early interventions to reduce mortality rates and long-term complications.
3. Supporting genetic research and advancing personalized medicine and its applications in Bahrain and the region.
4. Assessing the healthcare costs of genetic diseases and formulating comprehensive policies for proactive healthcare.

• Bahraini Genome Program –Research (For adults over 18 years old, and with parental consent for minors).
• (gNBS-RP) Genetic Newborn Screening– Research Program (For newborns in governmental and private hospitals).
• Additional programs and services to be introduced in the near future.

• Understanding genetic variations and environmental influences that contribute to diseases.
• Identifying the most suitable treatment for each patient.
• Optimizing the use of existing medications to align with each individual's unique genetic makeup.
• Discovering new treatments.
• Advancing therapies and research development.

Preliminary studies have indicated that the following diseases are the most common in the initial sample analysis. More conditions will be identified in future phases as the National Genome Project progresses:

1. Hereditary blood disorders: Sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and others.
2. Genetic cancers: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
3. Genetic heart diseases: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, familial hypercholesterolemia, Brugada syndrome, and others.

Through this program, participants' genetic health variations are identified, which aids in pharmacogenomics applications, ensuring the correct medication choices and helping to avoid unexpected side effects. Additionally, the program provides insight into their genetic status, determining whether they carry mutations or genetic variations that could be inherited by their children. This contributes to enhancing healthcare quality and supports the health sector in developing preventive and therapeutic measures based on Bahrain’s genetic map.

Join us in reaching the goal of collecting 100,000 samples!

The National Genome Program focuses on achieving health-related objectives, specifically by identifying genetic mutations and variations that can contribute to early diagnosis and help prevent serious complications of many genetic diseases. Additionally, the program assesses family reproductive health in terms of genetic predisposition.

It does not provide any information related to ethnic backgrounds or ancestry.

The Bahraini Genome Program campaign welcomes participants aged 18 and above.

For individuals under 18 years old, participation is allowed with parental consent, and the father must register the child through the eGovernment portal using the Smart Key.

If you wish to participate as an individual, you can log in with your Smart Key on the eGovernment portal and complete the online registration for the National Genome Program. After registration, you should visit the health center in your residential area, where the laboratory staff will collect a blood sample and confirm your participation in the program. The process is simple and convenient, requiring no prior appointment and no doctor’s consultation.

You can also participate in Genome Center campaigns, which are organized throughout the year in public spaces, shopping malls, conferences, and various events.

If you wish to participate as an institution, you can contact the National Genome Center team to arrange a visit to your organization’s premises, where the genome team will organize a special campaign for your institution.

To request an institutional campaign, please contact via email at: , or call:17-282240.

The results of genome analysis are highly confidential, and participants will be personally contacted once their sample analysis is completed by the genome team.

Currently, the National Genome Center's projects are survey research initiatives. However, the center is committed to the responsibility of sharing results that indicate urgent health concerns for which preventive or proactive treatment plans are available.

The Bahraini Genome Program is a survey research initiative that categorizes participants into different groups and phases. In the first phase, 6,000 samples have been analyzed in collaboration with Harvard University, USA. This initial collaboration is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Participants will receive their individual results once the analysis and classification of findings are finalized by a team of specialized physicians. The team will first reach out to individuals whose results indicate the need for further follow-up and genetic counseling.

As for the second phase, 100,000 samples will be analyzed locally in progressive stages. The public will be regularly updated on the results and developments as they unfold.