Experts set 2012 deadline to eliminate genetic disorder

Dubai: The UAE hopes to make 2012 the year when all children born in the country will be free of thalassaemia, a genetic disorder which is deadly, a senior consultant geneticist said here.

Dr Mohammad Naveed, director of UAE Genetic Disease Association, said Mediterranean countries such as Cyprus and Sardinia, where this disease was common, have already achieved the target.

He said pre-marital screening, which has been mandatory in the UAE, is often a stressful experience for both parties in the marriage. The association is now focusing on screening university students across the country.

Thalassaemia affects one in 12 people in the country, according to Ministry of Health data.

He was speaking to Gulf News during UAE's first genetic and biotechnology conference held at Zayed University, Academic City.

Leading scientists in genetic research are attending the conference to make students aware of this exciting field, said Dr Mariam Mattar, executive director of the UAE Genetic Diseases Association.

She said from January, students will be screened for neural tubal defects, which are preventable by simple measures such as taking folic acid before pregnancy.

Neural tubal defects are birth defects of the brain and the spinal cord.

The conference is looking at common genetic blood disorders such as thalassaemia, sickle-cell disease and anaemia.

The association has tied up with Yamaguchi University, Japan, DuBiotech and Zayed University for this conference and future research.

Visiting Professor Dr Yukio Hattori from the Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Japan, said the association has given them DNA samples to study.

"It's a treasury for us," said the health scientist. The Japanese university will help audit the laboratory here.

Free counselling

B.S. (Bachelor of Science) and M.S. (Master of Science) students from Zayed University, Higher College of Technology, Manipal University and various other institutions attended the day-long conference.

The association is offering free counselling services to Emiratis and expatriates at its centre in Jumeirah, behind the Village Mall.

Many are predisposed to the disorders because of their genetic make-up, marriages between cousins, large family size and lack of awareness, Naveed said.

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan is a thalassaemia carrier. Others include actor Abhishek Bachchan, tennis star Pete Sampras and footballer Zinedine Zidane.

There is a 25 per cent chance the child will be a carrier if both parents are carriers, Naveed said.

If no action is taken it will cost Dh32 million to treat such patients in UAE in the future, Naveed said.

Conference: Health warning

The UAE's first genetic and biotechnology conference opened here yesterday with experts warning that the world is being challenged today by serious diseases that threaten our communities.  

The event was organised by the UAE Genetic Diseases Association and is partnered with Yamaguchi University, Japan, Zayed University and DuBiotech.    

"This event is all about inspiring students to think creatively about science and society, and to see themselves as part of a global community of practitioners working in similar fields," said Dr Michael Allen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Zayed University.

"We believe that genetic information is vitally important," said Marwan Abdullah, director of DuBiotech Park.

"This will encourage students to look into diagnostics of the future," he said.   

A large percentage of the population in the country suffers from genetic disorders, according to health data.

These including ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, birth defects, thalassaemia and breast cancer, according to Ministry of Health figures.    

Dr Sulaiman Al Jasem, Vice-President of Zayed  University, said the conference helps raise awareness for prevention and treatment methods of diseases which are of common concern in the nation.

Genetic condition: Blood disorder

Thalassaemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells and anaemia.

If you are of Asian, Mediterranean, or African American ethnicity or have a family history of the disorder, then you are at risk.

Children born with Thalassaemia Major are normal at birth, but develop severe anaemia during the first year of life.

Other symptoms can include bone deformities in the face, liver and spleen swelling, shortness of breath and jaundice.

What do you think of the initiative? Do you know anyone who is suffering from Thalassemia?