A DELIGHTED Amjad Al Mahari, 24, who became the world’s first sickle cell patient outside the US to successfully complete a milestone treatment with Casgevy, gave the thumbs up to Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during a video call yesterday with the World Health Organisation chief.
The Bahraini’s remarkable recovery after the CRISPR-based gene-editing therapy using bone marrow transplantation technology at the Royal Medical Services-Bahrain Oncology Centre was announced by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, last week, as reported by the GDN.
Dr Ghebreyesus, who had the video call in the presence of Health Minister Dr Jalila Al Sayyed, congratulated Mr Al Mahari on the success of his treatment.
He expressed his happiness with the pioneering medical achievement, which represents an important step in the treatment of genetic diseases, especially sickle cell disease.
The WHO chief stressed that the progress reflects the commitment of Bahrain to adopt the latest medical innovations to improve the lives of patients and promote the health of the community.
Dr Ghebreyesus also wished Mr Al Mahari continued health and wellness.
He stressed that the WHO is closely following developments in the field of gene therapies, pointing out that this successful experience represents a glimmer of hope for many patients with chronic genetic blood diseases from different countries of the world.
This treatment records a fundamental shift in dealing with these diseases, and opens new horizons for the treatment of many cases that were previously considered untreatable, Dr Ghebreyesus pointed out.
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