The Ministry of Health has officially introduced an expanded newborn screening program alongside an enhanced pre-marital medical examination initiative today.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve public health, enhance quality of life, and prevent genetic disorders and congenital anomalies.
The launch event took place under the patronage of Dr. Mohammed Said Al Mamari, Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, with the attendance of Dr. Hilal Ali Al Sabti, Minister of Health.
During the event, Dr. Said Harib Al Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, emphasized that these two essential programs are integral to the preventive health strategies aimed at fulfilling the health objectives set forth in Oman Vision 2040.
He noted that these diseases impose considerable social and economic challenges on individuals, communities, and healthcare systems. Recent health surveys by the Ministry of Health indicate a prevalence rate of approximately 9.5% for these conditions. Consequently, the implementation of preventive programs focused on early detection is crucial to curbing their proliferation. In alignment with the principle of universal health coverage—whether through expanding services in healthcare facilities or developing community-oriented initiatives—the Ministry of Health, in partnership with relevant sectors, has crafted a comprehensive national plan that has been presented to the Council of Ministers.
The Undersecretary highlighted that the Council of Ministers has approved the rollout of these significant programs in three distinct phases.
The initial phase, set for 2024-2025, will render pre-marital examinations optional while simultaneously promoting community awareness regarding the importance of such medical assessments. The second phase will see the continuation of optional examinations, broadening the initiative to include screenings for tenth-grade students at the start of the 2025-2026 academic year. The final phase, planned for 2026, will establish pre-marital medical examinations as mandatory, supported by a legislative framework that requires screening as a prerequisite for marriage procedures.
Dr. Jamila bint Taisir Al-Abri, Public Health Consultant and Director of the Women's and Children's Health Department, announced the launch of a national media campaign titled “Start Right.” A detailed action plan has been crafted to execute this campaign throughout 2025, serving as a preparatory step for the mandatory examinations in 2026.
Al Abri further explained that the campaign will unfold in three phases, each lasting four months. The first phase will introduce the pre-marital medical examination program. The second phase will focus on the health implications of genetic and infectious diseases. The third phase will underscore the compulsory nature of the pre-marital examination as a necessary condition for completing marriage procedures.
She emphasized that the awareness campaign is designed to reach all segments of society, particularly those planning to marry and their parents. Throughout the campaign, audio-visual messages will be shared via various media channels and social media platforms. The activities outlined in the plan will encompass direct community engagement, awareness initiatives in health institutions, media involvement, and the distribution of educational materials.
Preparations for the campaign included the creation of various educational audio-visual materials. Additionally, an introductory meeting took place at the start of the month, inviting all relevant sectors involved in the national campaign. During this meeting, the campaign's goals were presented, and participants from the various sectors received training to facilitate effective implementation of the campaign.
Dr. Riya Said Al Khamyani, a Public Health Specialist and Head of the Pre-Marital Medical Examination Department, highlighted that the pre-marital medical examination is a preventive health initiative recognized by the World Health Organization as part of pre-conception care. This examination involves providing counseling and conducting laboratory tests for individuals preparing for marriage, ensuring that their union does not pose health risks to either partner or their future children. The process aims to identify any conditions that either party may carry or be affected by, which could potentially be transmitted to their offspring or between the spouses, thereby fostering a healthy family environment.
Al Khamyani noted that the examination encompasses testing for genetic blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia "B," as well as certain sexually transmitted infections, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. The primary objectives of the pre-marital screening are to curb the spread of these conditions, enhance awareness of healthy marriage practices, alleviate the burden on healthcare institutions and blood banks, and prevent social and psychological challenges for families with affected children. Furthermore, it aims to lessen the financial strain of treatment on both families and the community.
Dr. Riya highlighted that the Sultanate of Oman has offered pre-marital medical examinations since 1999. This service is provided on an optional basis at all government primary healthcare facilities, particularly in health centers. Individuals interested in the service can visit the healthcare center to make a request, after which a physician performs an examination and collects a blood sample. A follow-up appointment is arranged shortly thereafter for medical counseling based on the results of the tests.
