Oman expands newborn screening, pre-marital medical examination programmes to curb genetic diseases
TOPSHOTS A nurse gives the rotavirus vaccine to a baby during a program to start vaccination against rotavirus. The vaccine is for children aged 6 weeks to 6 months of age, to prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus. This is the first time that the vaccine is provided in Haiti massively and free, and is organized by the Ministry of Public Health and Population of Haiti, with support from PAHO/WHO(OPS/OMS in Spanish)in Port au Prince, on April 29, 2014. AFP PHOTO/Hector RETAMAL
In a bid to enhance public health and curb genetic diseases and congenital defects, Oman’s Ministry of Health has officially launched an expanded newborn screening programme alongside an enhanced pre-marital medical examination programme.
The launch event, held under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed Said Al Mamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, was attended by Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Said Harib Al Lamki, Undersecretary for Health Affairs, explained that the initiatives align with Oman Vision 2040, focusing on preventive healthcare and improving quality of life.
Dr. Riya Said Al Khamyani, Head of the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Department, highlighted the significance of pre-marital screening, a World Health Organization-recognized pre-conception care programme.
The examination includes tests for genetic blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia B, as well as sexually transmitted infections like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Khamyani outlined the programme’s objectives focused on reducing the spread of hereditary and infectious diseases, promoting awareness of healthy marriage, alleviating pressure on health institutions and blood banks, preventing social and psychological distress for families with affected children and easing the financial burden of treatment for families and society.
First introduced in 1999, the pre-marital screening service is currently optional and accessible at all government primary healthcare centers across the Sultanate of Oman.
