Bahrain acquires latest machine used for human genome sequencing

The Ministry of Health became the first in the Middle East to acquire and inaugurate the use of the cutting-edge NovaSeqTM X Plus machine for human genome sequencing purposes.

This comes as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to continue developing therapeutic and diagnostic services alongside the latest global medical advancements.

Lieutenant General Dr. Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health (SCH), highlighted the ongoing efforts within the National Genome Project, which aims to utilise gene sequencing in adopting effective national health policies and therapeutic, and preventative management plans.

Dr. Jaleela bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, noted that acquiring this device came within the efforts of using the latest technological trends in the health sector and developing the National Genome Centre, which will reflect positively on the various diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Dr. Gregory Ysert, General Manager of Emerging Markets at Illumina said that NovaSeqTM X Plus can generate more than 20,000 whole genomes per year – 2.5 times our previous capacity.

“we look forward to contributing to the National Genome Center’s goal in the Kingdom by employing technology to gain a better understanding of diseases and potential genetic risks, through developing healthcare plans,” he added.

The National Genome Project was launched in Bahrain in 2018, and awareness campaigns have been initiated by public health institutions to encourage community participation in the programme, with a target of collecting 50,000 samples by 2024.

A national delegation of specialists from the National Genome Centre was sent to Harvard University in the United States to undergo specialized training, including the latest methods of genome sequencing, biological data classification, clinical analysis, scientific data analysis, and genetic data management.

BNA(R)

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