The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) announced on Friday the launch of the National Newborn Screening Guidelines.
This initiative aims to enhance medical examination procedures for all newborns in the country, covering both government and private hospitals.
The new guidelines are designed to prevent early health complications in newborns by standardizing the required laboratory and clinical tests across the nation. Mohap has stated that the guidelines will include blood spot tests, early diagnosis of genetic diseases, metabolic and endocrine disorders, and screenings for hearing abnormalities, heart defects, and other critical congenital anomalies.
In addition to standardizing tests, the guidelines will also establish a national database on genetic diseases and raise community awareness about the importance of early screening for newborns.
Dr. Hussain Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Mohap Assistant Undersecretary for the Public Health Sector, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to newborn health. “Ensuring newborn health is a top priority, and the ministry is committed to providing comprehensive preventive and therapeutic health services that adhere to the latest international standards,” he said.
He also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to promote disease prevention and establish robust healthcare systems to support healthy lifestyles across all age groups, aligning with the strategic objective of enhancing the overall quality of life.
According to doctors, the initial screening for newborns is typically conducted 24 to 48 hours after birth, ideally before the baby leaves the hospital. Dr. Mamata Bothra, a specialist pediatrician and neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, explained that the three primary tests include a heel-prick test for blood sampling, a hearing test, and a pulse oximetry test to measure blood oxygen levels.
Dr. Bothra noted the significant benefits of these neonatal screening tests, which aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of critical disorders, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality rates among newborns and ensuring the highest quality of care.
Dr. Samah Saad Elfadil, a consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, praised the uniform screening guidelines, emphasizing their importance in diagnosing congenital abnormalities such as cardiac and hearing issues, which are often undetected at birth.
Dr. Ignatius Edwin D’souza, consultant pediatrician and chair of pediatrics and neonatology at Thumbay University Hospital, added that their facility’s Neoscreen program identifies more than 50 rare but serious genetic conditions through blood sample analysis.
This screening encompasses various disorders, including metabolic, endocrine, and hemoglobinopathies, as well as cystic fibrosis. Early detection through these screenings allows for timely interventions, preventing severe complications and ensuring long-term health benefits for newborns.
