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UAE: Premarital tests to help prevent genetic diseases

Abu Dhabi - The step aims to prevent mental and physical disabilities and reduce child mortality rates.

Published: Sun 31 Jan 2021, 7:28 PM

Updated: Sun 31 Jan 2021, 7:34 PM

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Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan chairs the Ministerial Development Council meeting. — Wam photo

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan chairs the Ministerial Development Council meeting. — Wam photo

The UAE’s Ministerial Development Council (MDC) has reviewed a study on premarital screening for genetic diseases. It also discussed ways to reduce the prevalence of genetic diseases.

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The step aims at prevention of mental and physical disabilities and reducing mortality rate among children, state news agency Wam reported.

This came as the council met under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed said: “The UAE Government is guided by a vision for development that, not only fulfills current needs, but also plans for the future. Our goal is to build a strong and health family as a foundation for a productive society, capable of sustaining the country’s achievements.”

The study outlines the importance of premarital genetic test as a tool that can predict the risk of developing genetic diseases.

A unified digital register of the UAE’s genetic diseases will be created, including the results of premarital examinations on recessive genetic diseases. A national laboratory specialising in the science of genetic testing will also be established.

The study also introduces innovative means to inform the community about the importance of genetic testing using awareness campaigns.

Other amendments

At the legislative level, the council proposed amendments to the executive regulations of the Value Added Tax law to enhance the legislative framework and ensure the rights of all parties, including consumers and business sectors.

The council also proposed amendments to the executive regulations of the Environment Protection and Development law concerning the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

The EIA is a tool used to identify the environmental, social and economic impacts of a project prior to decision-making to ensure the highest level of environment protection.

The council discussed the draft implementing regulation for the Federal Law on Securing Interest with Movable Property.

It also discussed the formation of the Standing Committee on Conventions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

It proposed amending the Cabinet resolution on the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. The amendments come after subordination of the commission to the Ministry of Culture and Youth.



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