Hereditary disorders in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Genetics
• Genetics Epidemiology

Background:

• Hereditary diseases and congenital malformations impact 2-5% of live births worldwide.
• Genetic disorders are increasingly recognized as a significant public health issue in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• Progress in communicable disease control has coincided with growing awareness of hereditary disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the prevalence and contributing factors of hereditary diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• To highlight the importance of public health measures for controlling common genetic disorders in the region.
• To discuss the challenges and related issues concerning genetic services and public awareness.

Main Methods:

• Review of available evidence on hereditary diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• Analysis of factors contributing to the elevated prevalence of genetic disorders.
• Discussion of specific genetic conditions prevalent in the region, such as haemoglobinopathies and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Main Results:

• Certain genetic disorders, including haemoglobinopathies and enzymopathies, are highly prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• High consanguinity rates, high frequency of specific genetic conditions, late childbearing, low public awareness, and limited genetic services contribute to the problem.
• There is a recognized need for public health interventions to control these hereditary diseases.

Conclusions:

• Hereditary diseases pose a substantial public health challenge in the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• Addressing factors like consanguinity, lack of awareness, and inadequate genetic services is crucial for control.
• Public health strategies are needed to mitigate the impact of common genetic disorders in the region.