A new era for preventive genetic programs in the Arabian Peninsula

Abstract

In the Arabian Peninsula, high percentages of consanguineous marriages and the tribal nature of marriages have resulted in high incidence of genetically based disorders. The successful management of these disorders incurs a high financial cost, which is a great burden on the health care system. The practical solution to this problem is through prevention. Prevention of genetic disorders should be the utmost public health concern especially where these disorders are prevalent. Preventive genetics became possible with the advent of biochemical and molecular technologies. Biochemical neonatal screening based on tandem mass spectrometry technology and molecular technologies such as sequencing, DNA microarray and nucleic acid hybridization techniques are steadily being transferred to clinical practice. Preventive genetics could be best achieved through establishment of databases for common genetic disorders, premarital diagnosis, and pre-implantation genetic diagnosis and by genetic counseling. These preventive measures must take into account the social and cultural aspects.