The Al Jalila Specialized Hospital for Children, the first and only pediatric specialty hospital in the UAE, has announced the launch of a study on the prevalence of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This will be the first of its kind in the region and aims to understand this genetic disease, which is one of the leading genetic causes of death in children under two years.
According to a press statement obtained by 24, the advanced study will examine the disease's prevalence in the UAE and will be conducted as a screening program led by the Advanced Genome Center at Al Jalila Specialized Hospital for Children, the first genomics clinic of its kind in the country. This initiative is in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Dubai Health Authority, and a number of private hospitals, which will support the participation of 6,500 newborns across ten public and private maternity hospitals in the UAE. Genetic tests will be performed to screen for spinal muscular atrophy at the Genome Center of Al Jalila Hospital.
**Significant Development**
Commenting on this matter, Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Khayat, the Executive Director of Al Jalila Specialized Hospital for Children, stated: "Al Jalila is committed to supporting the UAE’s advanced science agenda for 2031, aiming to tackle health challenges. This study will be a significant turnaround for the UAE as it is the first wide-scale study addressing the prevalence of spinal muscular atrophy in the country. The study will contribute to our goal of elevating Al Jalila's status as the leading pediatric specialty hospital in the region."
He added: "We aim to bridge the knowledge gap regarding spinal muscular atrophy in our local communities. The study's results will help decision-makers anticipate upcoming challenges and develop appropriate measures to address them. More specifically, the results will provide the necessary data to guide efforts in establishing national screening programs for the early detection and prevention of spinal muscular atrophy. This initiative aligns with the wise leadership’s vision for the UAE, which aims to establish a world-class healthcare system in the country, and coincides with the development of the Emirati Genome Program, considered one of the first programs specializing in the study of the Arab genome. The launch of this study coincides with the recent opening of our Genome Exploration Center during the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress 2021."
**Integrating Genomics into Healthcare**
He continued: "There is currently a focus on integrating genomics into healthcare systems and relying on it as a cornerstone tool for diagnosing, managing, and treating patients. The Genome Center at Al Jalila Specialized Hospital for Children supports the UAE's efforts to combat genetic diseases by building the necessary capabilities for genetic screening and diagnosis."
The announcement of the study coincided with the first anniversary celebration of the opening of the Genome Center at Al Jalila Specialized Hospital for Children, which was inaugurated by the Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in 2020. Over the past year, the Genome Center has offered various screening programs and genetic medical consultations for children and adults alike, in addition to supporting physicians with its extensive facilities, including a diagnostic laboratory and a fully equipped clinic, alongside a team of licensed experts in precise medical specialties.
The accredited Genome Center relies on cutting-edge molecular technologies and bioinformatics programs to analyze genetic data according to the standards set by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.
