Salman Al-Sabah: Genome Reading as a Means to Improve Child Care, Health, and Quality of Life
Kuwait Precision Pediatrics Conference Discusses Genome Applications
Translated by Qiyas from الراي — Original source
The conference “Precision Pediatrics: From Genomics to Care,” hosted by the Sheikh Jaber Cultural Center over Saturday and Sunday, will discuss the latest applications of genomics in diagnosing genetic and rare diseases, and ways to develop more precise and tailored healthcare for children and their families, with the participation of a select group of physicians and specialists from within Kuwait and abroad.
In his opening remarks on Saturday, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Sheikh Dr. Salman Al-Sabah emphasized that precision pediatrics enhances the chances of early diagnosis, particularly in rare and complex cases, and helps in selecting the most appropriate care for each child.
He noted that “congenital disorders cause the death of approximately 240,000 newborns within the first 28 days of life annually, as well as around 170,000 deaths among children aged one month to five years, according to the World Health Organization.”
He highlighted the Ministry of Health’s efforts to develop services for genetic diseases, noting that the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases, established in 1979, provides counseling and specialized testing services, alongside a newborn screening program in public and private hospitals.
He stressed the need to develop human resources and laboratories and to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring that the benefits of scientific advances reach children in a timely manner.
For his part, Dr. Abdullah Shamsah, President of the Pediatric Society, affirmed that “the conference serves as a platform for exchanging knowledge and expertise and fostering collaboration to provide better care for children.” He added that “advances in genomics enable early diagnosis and the selection of the most appropriate treatment, while also supporting the prevention of genetic diseases through testing and genetic counseling, emphasizing the importance of translating these developments into practical decisions that serve the needs of each child.”
On her part, Conference Chair Dr. Hind Al-Sharhan affirmed that “the value of genetic knowledge is realized when coupled with early diagnosis, targeted care, and treatments that consider the needs of the child and their family.”
She explained that “this knowledge helps families understand the likelihood of transmitting genetic diseases and make informed decisions, while benefiting from premarital screening, family planning, and early detection, supported by genetic counseling.” She stressed “the importance of collaboration between medical and scientific teams and translating research into more effective health practices, thereby enhancing personalized and integrated care for children suffering from genetic and rare diseases.”
