Emirates Health Services Organizes Genomic Medicine Symposium to Advance Newborn Genetic Screening
As part of its commitment to support the objectives of the National Genome Strategy and reinforce the UAE’s position in precision medicine and personalized healthcare, Emirates Health Services (EHS) organized the Genomic Medicine Symposium. Titled ‘Newborn Genetic Screening: From Evidence to Implementation’, the symposium brought together experts to explore the latest developments in newborn genetic screening, precision medicine, and ethical governance of genetic information. It also strengthened mechanisms for translating scientific outcomes into clinical practices that enhance the quality of healthcare and improve long-term health outcomes.
H.E. Dr. Essam Al Zarooni, Executive Director of the Clinical Services Sector at Emirates Health Services, stated that investment in genomic medicine represents a key strategic pillar of the healthcare ecosystem. It is aligned with the UAE’s vision and the National Genome Strategy to build a proactive healthcare model based on precision medicine.
His Excellency added: “EHS is committed to translating scientific advancements into sustainable clinical practices that enhance quality of life and elevate the efficiency of healthcare services. We are empowering medical professionals to leverage genomic technologies, enabling more accurate and effective treatment and preventive decisions. This symposium serves as a specialized platform for exchanging expertise and building national capabilities. It supports our healthcare system’s readiness to keep pace with rapid advancements in genomic sciences and reinforces the UAE’s position as a leading regional hub for harnessing innovation in service of community health.”
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Dr. Sara Al Suwaidi, Head of the Policies and Standards Section at the Hospitals Department, explained that newborn genetic screening represents a breakthrough in the early detection of numerous genetic disorders before symptoms appear, enabling timely therapeutic intervention and reducing future complications.
She added: “Integrating genetic screening into clinical practice supports personalized healthcare. It provides precise information that helps physicians design treatment and preventive plans tailored to each patient’s genetic characteristics. The success of this approach also depends on strengthening communication with families and upholding the ethical principles associated with the use of genetic information to ensure the best health outcomes while safeguarding the patients’ privacy and rights.”
The symposium brought together experts in genomics, genetics, and precision medicine to discuss the latest scientific developments and practical applications in newborn genetic screening. The sessions covered several key themes, which included an introduction to molecular genetics and the evolution of newborn screening programmes in the genomic era, especially the shift from biochemical testing to genome sequencing. Additional topics such as parental consent, referral pathways, ethical governance of genetic information, clinical applications of precision medicine in pediatrics, and family-centered genetic care were also discussed.
The symposium aims to enable healthcare professionals to exchange the knowledge and skills necessary for applying precision medicine methodologies in clinical practice, and to promote the adoption of personalized healthcare as a key pillar in the development of health services. This will help early diagnosis, improve the quality of care, and foster a culture of innovation that keeps pace with the rapid scientific and technological advancements in genomic sciences, supporting the UAE’s vision of building a more sustainable and proactive healthcare system.
