9.5% genetic blood disorder rate drives push for premarital screening

2026-02-09 - 19:08

Muscat – Hereditary blood disorders affect about 9.5% of Oman’s population, prompting health authorities to intensify prevention efforts through mandatory premarital medical screening and counselling. The Ministry of Health, represented by the National Centre for Women and Child Health, on Monday opened a national training workshop aimed at improving the delivery of premarital screening services. The programme brings together doctors and specialists from ministry institutions as well as the Military and Security Medical City. The three-day workshop is focused on equipping primary healthcare physicians with the scientific knowledge, technical competencies and communication skills needed to conduct premarital examinations and provide post-test genetic counselling. Officials say standardising these services is essential to improving healthcare quality and guiding couples in making informed decisions. Speaking at the opening session, Dr Sami al Farsi, Director General of the National Centre for Women and Child Health, said premarital screening is a preventive measure endorsed by the World Health Organization and plays a direct role in reducing the spread of hereditary blood disorders. He said it also helps safeguard future generations and supports overall family health. Sessions include briefings on national guidelines, service procedures and the use of a central digital platform for issuing screening certificates. Specialists are also reviewing common hereditary blood disorders in Oman, relevant laboratory tests and case management. Further sessions will address infectious diseases covered under premarital screening and the management of these. The final day will focus on counselling skills and genetic health services, with participation from the National Centre for Genetic Health and Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The latest push comes after Oman made premarital medical screening mandatory from January 1, 2026 under Royal Decree No 111/2025, marking a major step in strengthening the sultanate’s preventive healthcare system and safeguarding family health. A nationwide awareness campaign conducted last year highlighted the role of screening in promoting family stability and long-term health. Health officials reiterate early detection can help reduce the incidence of serious inherited conditions such as sickle cell disease and beta-thalassaemia, as well as limit the transmission of infections including HIV and hepatitis B and C.