Kuwait conference becomes global hub for genetic medicine innovation

• Dr. Laila Al Bastaki, Director of the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases, said since its establishment in 1979, the center has provided comprehensive services, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic disorders.

Dr. Laila Al Bastaki, Director of the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases, stated that the upcoming ninth Kuwait International Medical Genetics Conference —set to begin on April 23—serves as a global platform uniting top-tier experts in the field of modern genetic medicine, according to Arabic daily Al Rai daily.

As chair of the conference, Al Bastaki noted in a press statement on Sunday that the two-day event, held under the patronage of Health Minister Dr. Ahmed Al-Awadhi, will welcome a distinguished group of local and international doctors and researchers specializing in genetic medicine. The conference is also sponsored by the Kuwait Pediatric Society.

She noted that the conference brings together lecturers and specialists from several countries to discuss key global developments in the field of genetic medicine. It also provides a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, address pressing questions, and promote scientific research and innovation in the study of genetic diseases.

She emphasized the importance of the conference in helping unify scientific and research efforts in service of patients, and praised the strong support the center receives from the political leadership—represented by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-JaberAl-Sabah—and the Ministry of Health.

Newborn genetic screening program

Since its establishment in 1979, the Kuwait Center for Genetic Diseases has provided comprehensive services, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of genetic disorders, she said. Among its major achievements is the launch of an expanded newborn genetic screening program, which has so far covered more than 55,000 infants.

She highlighted the center’s achievements in community prevention, including premarital screening programs, carrier screening for genetic mutations, and the expanded use of modern technologies such as whole genome sequencing and the implementation of personalized medicine.