The Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) has launched a big initiative to improve healthcare for future generations. Teaming up with the Emirati Genome Council, they've started one of the world's most comprehensive Newborn Genetic Screening Programmes. Genetic health problems can be difficult to predict and can be passed onto the child, even if the parents did not have symptoms themselves. Many times, these disorders or diseases do not surface until later in life. Here is where genetic screenings and tests come into play. These help us predict any future issues and tackle them head-on. Instead of treating every patient the same way, this program is designed to deliver a more personal and precise kind of healthcare. It uses advanced genetic technology to look at a person's unique DNA. This allows doctors to catch health conditions much earlier than before, sometimes even before a baby is born. By finding these issues so early, doctors can provide special, tailored treatments. This means the care a child receives is not a generic plan, but one created specifically for their needs. This approach leads to better results because it gets to the root of the problem right away. What Is Genetic Screening? According to National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) It is a process that look at a large group of people to find a smaller group who might be at higher risk for a specific genetic disease. This higher-risk group might either have the disease themselves, be at risk of developing it later, or have a chance of passing it on to their children. Can We Predict Health Problems? This program screens for over 815 treatable childhood genetic conditions by looking at a baby's entire genetic makeup, called whole genome sequencing. This makes it one of the most thorough programs of its kind. It's already started at Kanad Hospital and Danat Al Emarat Hospital, where they use advanced technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to find conditions that might not be obvious at birth but could become a serious problem later. The plan is to eventually screen all children of UAE nationals and Emirati mothers born in Abu Dhabi. This is done by collecting a small cord blood sample at birth with the parents' permission. The screening looks for many different issues, including problems with a baby's metabolism, immune system, blood, and rare diseases like Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which can now be treated. Can Genetic Screening Lead Us Towards Healthy Future? Parents will get the results within 21 days. If the screening finds anything concerning, a counselor will meet with the family to explain the findings and connect them with specialists for further care. To make sure the program is a success, the DoH has worked closely with experts. They've held workshops to prepare everyone involved. They also trained 16 pediatricians and neonatologists from Corniche Hospital, Danat Al Emarat, and Kanad Hospital on genetic counseling and why this screening is so important. They also made sure that obstetricians, midwives, nurses, and technical staff at these hospitals were fully prepared. This program is a key part of Abu Dhabi's bigger goal to use genomics for family health. This includes existing programs like premarital screening. These efforts are all about preventing genetic diseases, helping families make informed decisions, and giving children early access to the care they need. The ultimate aim is to create a healthcare system where personalized, preventative care is the norm, ensuring a healthier future for everyone.