In a bid to reduce the number of hereditary diseases, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi has issued mandatory genetic testing for UAE couples wishing to marry.

Premarital testing will become mandatory for Emirati couples in Abu Dhabi from October 1. Premarital genetic testing is a medical screening procedure performed before marriage to assess the risk of transmitting genetic disorders to future children.

This helps to find out if either partner carries genes for hereditary diseases such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia. The goal is to make informed decisions about family planning and reduce the risk of genetic diseases in offspring.

Dr Srinidhi Nathani, Consultant Molecular Haematologist and Oncologist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, said that given the rising prevalence of genetic disorders and increasing awareness about their impact, this premarital genetic testing can be a reference point for India.

Although premarital genetic testing is not mandatory in India, the country’s apex medical panel, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has issued guidelines on genetic counselling and testing, providing recommendations for healthcare providers and couples.

“This is an unmet need in India, with a population of 1.4 billion. A large portion of infant and child mortality and morbidity is caused by genetic defects about which very little is known. This is not only due to lack of awareness or resources, but also because of the social taboos associated with it,” said Dr Nathani.

The Abu Dhabi genetic testing will be carried out at 22 centres, covering 570 genes and 840 hereditary defects.

Dr Ayman El-Hattab, consultant in clinical genetics at Burjeel Medical City, told The National: “By screening individuals before marriage, this initiative increases the ability to identify a wider range of genetic conditions beyond inherited blood disorders, helping couples make informed decisions about their future. This expanded genetic screening is expected to have a significant impact on public health by reducing the burden of inherited diseases.”

Why is premarital genetic testing necessary among couples?

Premarital genetic testing can be beneficial to couples for several reasons:

Identification of genetic carriers: It can help identify couples who are both carriers of recessive genetic disorders. This information can help them make informed decisions about family planning and reproductive options.

Risk Assessment: For couples with a family history of genetic disorders, premarital genetic testing can help assess the risk of having a child with the disorder.

Genetic counseling: The process of genetic testing often involves genetic counseling, which can provide couples with information about the genetic disorder, its effects, and available options.

As awareness of genetic disorders increases, genetic testing becomes more accessible and necessary to reduce the burden of genetic disorders.