Manama, May 23 (BNA): The Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) and the American Mission Hospital organized a symposium for experts entitled Awareness of Genetic Disorders: Coping and Prevention Methods, which was held today in King Hamad City. American Mission Hospital in A’ali.
In his opening remarks, Dr. George Cherian, CEO of AMH and CMO, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the medical sector and the research community to identify the best means to promote public health, guided by advanced global experiences and best practices.
Dr. Cherian also praised the pioneering role of the Derasat Center in raising issues of concern to society, and medical issues in particular, to increase the exchange of knowledge and community awareness, as well as addressing challenges, including genetic disorders and ways to prevent them. He stressed that the historical legacy of AMH, which spans over 120 years since 1903, reflects its continuous efforts to support social responsibility, and expand its partnerships based on the tremendous achievements made by the Kingdom of Bahrain and its leading position in the field of healthcare.
Dr. Hamad Ibrahim Al-Abdullah, Executive Director of Derasat, stated in his opening speech that Derasat is keen to integrate its efforts with various departments of the healthcare sector to meet challenges, through its status as a center of expertise for studies, research and surveys. He expressed his hope that this symposium would shed light on vital issues to serve the community, stressing that Derasat’s efforts aim to launch channels of cooperation with various local and international institutions, through joint events and providing dialogue platforms to host experts from all over the world, to benefit from them. Scientific research in dealing with various issues.
The symposium discussed genetic disorders and methods of prevention, along with means of mitigating their burdensome effects on individuals and society, focusing mainly on Down, Marfan and Klinefelter syndromes. The event included three main sessions. The first session described the most common genetic disorders, while the second session dealt with fertility and childbearing challenges for affected individuals, and the third session highlighted the role of psychological care for affected individuals and their loved ones.
The results of a survey of studies of genetic disorders were announced, revealing that half of the sample, numbering more than a thousand, were aware of the symptoms of Down syndrome, while a small part knew some of the symptoms of Marfan and Klinefelter syndromes. About 6 percent identified some of the symptoms of Marfan, including excessive height, frail build, long fingertips, and heart and vision complications. Another 5 percent were able to list Klinefelter’s symptoms, such as muscular dystrophy, osteoporosis, and infertility.
The majority of survey respondents showed knowledge of possible identification of Down syndrome during prenatal screening.
A recently published study was announced at the symposium titled “The Importance of Raising Awareness of Genetic Disorders: The Down, Marfan, and Klinefelter Syndrome Model” by Dr. Nadia Diab.
Participants agreed on several recommendations, the most important of which is the inclusion of genetic screening in prenatal examinations, benefiting from the crucial role of the media in informing the public about these disorders, and highlighting the need for psychological guidance to care for those affected and their loved ones. .
It should be noted that this symposium is an inaugural event for many joint international activities and cooperation between Derasat and AMH, as well as cooperation to document the beginnings of modern healthcare services in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in a joint publication based on AMH documents and archives.
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