SEVENTEEN countries in the Arab region, including Bahrain, have domestic genome sequencing capacity which could further help combat the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, it has emerged.
However, the remaining five nations are supported by World Health Organisation (WHO) in sequencing gene samples.
The UN agency has launched a “regional genome surveillance network” to tap into and develop this potential as part of its efforts to tackle the virus, said WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) regional director Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari.
Genomic sequencing is regarded important for Covid-19 response, especially with the emergence of newer variants.
Genomic data has guided countries to make quick and informed public health decisions since the start of the pandemic. It can also help prepare for potential surges and take important steps such as increasing oxygen supply, opening more hospital beds or ramp up testing.
“Seventeen countries in the region currently have domestic genome sequencing capacity to detect variants of concern, and the remaining five countries receive WHO support to sequence samples within the regional reference laboratories for sequencing,” said Dr Al Mandhari while addressing an online Press briefing.
“WHO has started the process of establishing a strong regional genome surveillance network, in collaboration with member states and partners that will contribute to regional efforts to expand and enhance sequencing capacity for high-threat pathogens.”
Dr Al Mandhari called upon countries in the region to “scale up and sustain” the surveillance of genes sequencing, citing its key role in tackling new coronavirus variants.
“We continue closely monitoring the variants of concern and encourage countries to scale up and sustain surveillance, laboratory testing and genome sequencing capacity to identify these variants early.
“As of date, 20 countries in the region have reported the Delta variant and 17 countries have officially reported the Omicron variant which remains the dominant variant regionally and globally.
“WHO continues to monitor several features of these variants which have been reported from several countries, including the US, South Africa and across Europe.”
Last month, the GDN reported of Bahrain’s success in recording the first complete sequence of human genome in the kingdom with three Bahraini human genome samples with a very high coverage rate of 97 per cent.
It was done by the Bahraini medical team tasked to implement the National Human Genome Plan at the Public Health Department which monitored the genetic sequence of Covid-19 over the past two years, sequencing more than 27,000 samples.
Also part of the kingdom’s ambitious efforts in the field is the soon-to-be-established centre for regenerative medicine – an advanced stem cell centre at the Arabian Gulf University (AGU), bringing home high-end and effective treatment for diabetes, cancer and heart ailments, among others.
Bahrain also has a National Genome Centre which plans to collect 50,000 samples by the end of 2023 in a major genetic survey covering different social categories and areas, as part of efforts to diagnose hereditary illnesses in Bahrain.
raji@gdn.com.bh
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