Advancing Public Health With Genomic Insights
Genomics offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance disease prevention, early diagnosis and personalized treatment.
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The Emirati Genome Program (EGP) is one of the largest population-wide genome initiatives. Spearheaded by the Abu Dhabi Department of Health (DoH) in collaboration with Khalifa University and M42, the EGP is reshaping healthcare delivery through its comprehensive genomic blueprint of the Emirati population.
Technology Networks recently spoke with Dr. Mohamed Alameri, section head of studies and special projects at the Abu Dhabi DoH, to explore how initiatives like the EGP are addressing gaps in genomic data representation and advancing precision medicine in areas such as rare diseases and cancer.
How are population-wide genomic programs impacting disease prevention and early diagnosis?
Mohamed Alameri, PhD (MA):
Genomics has the potential to change the future health of humanity. From personalizing medicine to improving our ability to diagnose, treat and even prevent disease, the potential of genomics cannot be overstated as a revolutionary force for global good.
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, we’ve rapidly recognized the potential of genomics to improve public health. We’ve set about developing a “genome oasis” in the region where we drive genomic research innovation forward by building strategic partnerships with leading technology firms and start-ups.
An output of this activity is the EGP, a public-private partnership between the DoH – Abu Dhabi and M42, an Abu Dhabi-based technology group. Launched in 2019, the EGP was created with the goal of developing a genetic map for UAE citizens and accelerating preventive and diagnostic healthcare solutions for the benefit of current and future generations.
The EGP is one of the world’s largest population-wide genome programs and has sequenced over 650,000 Emirati genomes since 2019 using cutting-edge DNA sequencing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Outputs from the EGP will fuel cutting-edge research, support public health initiatives and improve the management of chronic and hereditary diseases. By identifying genetic predispositions, this data will promote healthier, longer lives and contribute to the UAE's national healthcare strategies.
Working with international partners, we hope that Abu Dhabi will enhance global understanding of the human genome and support the shift from a one-size-fits-all model to a precise, proactive and personalized approach to benefit global public health.
KR:
MA:
Integrating genomic insights into the wider healthcare system to deliver effective interventions poses a significant challenge. That’s why we’re creating the world’s most intelligent healthcare system, underpinned by three core pillars: data fueling intelligence, analytics providing insight and digital tools driving engagement and experience.
This intelligent system is built on two core enablers allowing it to function: the EGP and Malaffi, the region’s first health information exchange. Malaffi connects public health records across private and public entities, fostering a cohesive and comprehensive approach to healthcare data management. When combined, Malaffi and the EPG allow us to gain both granular and macro-population insights helping us to understand the changing needs of our Emirate so we can deliver both personalized and preventative healthcare programs.
Innovative digital tools bring this system to patients, providers and researchers so that we can continually raise the bar when developing health interventions. We’ve launched a patient health app called Sahatna, which provides access to Malaffi health records, with appointment scheduling capabilities, telehealth options, AI tools and more. This offers people secure, convenient and seamless access to advanced health services.
KR:
MA:
At the DoH, we believe that collaboration is the key to unlocking new opportunities. Our genetic research strategy is deeply rooted in establishing international partnerships to support the futureproofing of global public health.
Through partnerships with local and global research and medical institutions, we’ve launched several pilot initiatives that leverage genetic data and insights from the EGP:
- The flagship personalized medicine program specifically targeting breast cancer means that personalized care is already being provided to breast cancer patients at the Cleveland Clinic here in Abu Dhabi, incorporating AI to recalibrate daily radiation treatment, thus improving effectiveness and minimizing side effects
- The cardiovascular program aims to detect genetic variants that cause cardiovascular disorders, aiding in diagnosis and prevention
- Advanced prevention programs such as pre-marital genetic screening have been introduced. This test is set to cover 570 genes for more than 840 autosomal recessive conditions and seeks to enhance the health and quality of life for families by avoiding recurrent genetic diseases
- The pharmacogenomics program aims to generate pharmacogenomic reports, aiding in personalized medication management
The UAE has one of the highest prevalence rates of rare diseases in the world and approximately 80% of rare diseases are estimated to have a genetic origin. Consequently, genomic data is of supreme importance in the prevention, diagnosis and development of treatments for rare diseases. Through flagship programs delivered in partnership with local hospitals and academic institutions, the DoH is working to prevent genetic diseases from occurring, screening for early detection in infants and supporting speedy diagnosis to allow for timely intervention.
We have an unparalleled combination of diverse genomic data, R&D investment, regulatory acuity, leadership support and local needs. Abu Dhabi is a city primed to make a long-lasting impact on rare diseases around the world.
KR:
MA:
The EGP fulfills a pressing unmet need within global genomics data sets. Most historic data sets don’t include genetics from ethnic groups within the Middle East and North America (MENA) region, leaving this under-represented population at a disadvantage.
The EGP aims to collect one million samples, addressing the genomic gap in the MENA region with its wealth of genomic data, supplemented by data from the health information exchange platform, Malaffi.
In May 2024, the DoH, alongside M42 and Khalifa University, launched the Emirati Genome Reference Platform (EGRP). The EGRP captures the unique genetic diversity of Emiratis and supports translational research to advance innovation and personalized healthcare solutions. The goal is to make personalized medicine more inclusive of the MENA population by furthering our understanding of the genetic factors of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
The EGP is crucial to achieving the UAE's vision of a healthier future for all and my hope is that we can be a global example of how genomics can reshape the future of health.
