Muscat: Today, the Ministry of Health held an introductory meeting regarding the National Awareness Campaign for Pre-Marital Medical Screening, which is set to take place throughout 2025.
This pre-marital medical screening initiative aims to mitigate the transmission of specific hereditary blood disorders, including sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia. Additionally, it seeks to promote the idea of a comprehensive healthy marriage and to prevent potential social and psychological challenges for families with affected children.
By decreasing the incidence of these conditions, the program also aims to lessen the burden on healthcare facilities and blood banks, while reducing the financial strain on families and society associated with the treatment of those affected.
Dr. Said Harib Al-Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Affairs, delivered a welcoming address that underscored the significance of the campaign and its goals. He emphasized the necessity for collaboration among all sectors to ensure the campaign's success.
In addition, Dr. Badriya Al Rashidi, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services and Programs, presented the National Awareness Campaign, elaborated on its objectives and various phases, and outlined the expected contributions of participating organizations to effectively support the campaign's initiatives.
The Ministry of Social Development contributed a working paper that examined the social ramifications of the transmission of genetic and infectious diseases to individuals and families.
The Supreme Judicial Council delivered a comprehensive working paper addressing the legal, regulatory, and legislative aspects of mandatory pre-marital screening. Additionally, Fahad Yusuf Al Agbari, a law lecturer at the University of Sharqiya, contributed a paper focusing on pre-marital medical screening in relation to child rights and human rights.
The meeting concluded with a presentation by Dr. Jamila Taisir Al Abri, Director of the Women's and Children's Health Department, who examined the implications of mandatory screening on Omani society and outlined future goals associated with this initiative.
It is important to note that the pre-marital medical screening service was first introduced in the Sultanate of Oman in 1999 as an optional offering at all government primary healthcare facilities. The Ministry of Health has recognized this program as a vital preventive strategy aimed at mitigating the prevalence of hereditary blood disorders and decreasing maternal and child mortality rates linked to these conditions.
