It has been confirmed that more than 42,000 samples have been collected as part of the national genome project.
Dr. Fatima Marhoon of the National Genome Center, speaking on the final day of the Manama Health Conference and Expo held at Exhibition World in Sakhir, said that almost 85 per cent of the Bahrain Genome Program’s goals have been achieved and are expected to be achieved. It was revealed that it has been done. Completed by the end of next year.
“Bahrain is one of about 25 countries that have a genome project,” she said at the “Genome in Bahrain Project,” which was attended by Lieutenant General Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health, and National Health. He gave a lecture entitled “Mapping.” Dr. Mariam Al Jarrahma, Chief Executive of the Regulatory Authority;
“This project will change the face of healthcare for years to come, especially in personalized healthcare services.”
Dr. Fatima Malhoon
Genomics is the study of complete sets of genes, how they function, and how they interact with each other and with the environment.
Historically, this practice dates back to 1865, when Gregor Mendel laid the foundation for the study of pea plant genetics.
The first DNA structure was discovered in 1953 by American biologist James Watson and British physicist Francis Crick, and the first draft of the human genome was published 50 years later in April 2003.
In 2018, Bahrain established the National Genome Center under the patronage of Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, with the launch of the Bahrain Genome Program.
The biobank has set a goal of obtaining 50,000 samples from the Bahrain population for sequencing.
Dr. Mahoon
“The genome will be sequenced in stages,” said Dr. Marhoon. “This will pave the way for innovative personalized medicine and medical practices.
“It will also contribute to Bahrain’s active preventive healthcare system, ensuring equal access to genomic services for all citizens.”
Hundreds of campaigns have been held over the past three years in collaboration with ministries, government agencies, banks, universities and schools to support this project.
According to Dr. Marhoon, the main objective of this project is the prevention and early diagnosis of genetic diseases. “This will contribute to understanding genetic variation and introducing innovative gene therapies,” she explained.
“As humans, we are 99.9% similar in our genes, but it’s the little bits that remain that make the big difference. That’s what makes us unique.”
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