Bahrain has won international acclaim for its pioneering medical initiative to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) patients.
World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus congratulated the country over the successful treatment of Bahraini SCD sufferer Amjad Al Mahari, who has become the first patient outside the United States to be administered Casgevy, a CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy using bone marrow transplantation technology, at the Royal Medical Services-Bahrain Oncology Centre.
Bahrain is the first country in the region and the second globally to approve the use of this treatment for SCD and beta-thalassaemia following an assessment of its safety and effectiveness.
“Congratulations, #Bahrain, on successfully administering the first CRISPR-based sickle cell treatment,” Mr Ghebreyesus said on X.
“Thank you for your continued investment in science to ensure all people in Bahrain have the best possible care and to help the world advance medical treatment.
“The WHO is ready to work with all countries to anticipate scientific breakthroughs and hence speed up equitable access to innovation, safe and effective treatments,” Mr Ghebreyesus added.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, visited Mr Al Mahari at the Royal Medical Services-Bahrain Oncology Centre on Sunday and reiterated the kingdom’s commitment to advancing its health sector and delivering world class healthcare and medical treatments.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed yesterday said Bahrain would soon open its doors to patients worldwide seeking Casgevy treatment for multiple genetic diseases following the success of the initiative. She also revealed that steps were underway to select the second local sickle cell patient for the procedure.
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