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The Ministry of Health has begun studying the medical reports of the National Genome Campaign after collecting more than 39,000 participant samples.
The Ministry of Health confirmed that the National Genome Center has begun studying the medical and diagnostic reports of the first batch of samples from participants in the National Genome Campaign, which has witnessed wide participation from various segments of Bahraini society. The number of samples collected since the launch in 2019 has reached approximately 39,659 samples, noting that the center aims to collect 50,000 samples by 2024.
The Ministry explained that the medical team of genomic science consultants has actually begun studying the reports and conducting confirmatory tests for genetic variants and analyzing them, with the aim of improving disease diagnosis and early detection, determining the extent of individuals' susceptibility to them, enhancing prevention opportunities for the most common hereditary diseases, and contributing to the development of effective medications for their treatment. This supports the project's goals aimed at improving treatment methods for hereditary diseases, both common and rare, among members of Bahraini society, and limiting their spread to future generations.
The Ministry of Health also noted that participation is open to all citizens aged 21 and above (whether healthy or ill), while those under 21 require the approval of a parent, guardian, or custodian. It pointed out that more information can be obtained by visiting the Instagram account @bahrain.genome and Twitter @Bahrain_Genome, or the website www.moh.gov.bh, or by calling (17282240).
It should be noted that the National Genome Campaign is ongoing, seeking to collect 50,000 Bahraini genome samples by the end of 2024. Citizens wishing to participate in this campaign should visit the primary healthcare center where they are registered, where a blood sample will be taken and stored securely and confidentially in the biobank at the Public Health Laboratories.
