MUSCAT : The initiative aims to foster healthier marriages and reduce the prevalence of hereditary blood diseases, such as sickle cell anemia and beta thalassemia, while promoting social and psychological well-being for families.

In his keynote address, His Excellency Dr. Saeed bin Hareb Al Lamki, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Health Affairs, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across all sectors to ensure the campaign’s success.

The campaign is designed to educate the public about the importance of premarital testing, clarify its mechanisms, and highlight its health, social, and religious benefits. It also aims to reduce the financial and logistical burdens on healthcare institutions by addressing these diseases at the root.

The meeting featured several working papers presented by experts across various sectors:

Dr. Badriya Al Rashidi, Director General of Health Services and Programs, outlined the campaign’s objectives, stages, and the roles of participating entities.

Yaqoub bin Ali Al-Batashi, School Administration Supervisor at the Ministry of Education, shared real-life accounts of families affected by hereditary blood diseases, underlining patients’ need for psychological and social support.

Representatives from the Supreme Judicial Council discussed the legal frameworks for mandatory premarital testing, while Fahd bin Yousef Al-Aghbari, a law lecturer, highlighted the human rights perspective of premarital screening.

Dr. Jamila bint Tayseer Al-Abri, Director of the Women and Child Health Department, presented the societal impact of mandatory screenings and future aspirations for Oman.

The meeting also touched on proposals to enhance the campaign’s impact, including legislative amendments, specialized healthcare services, and increased investment in scientific research.

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