Dubai to host first international Genetic Metabolic Conference

The conference will engage health care professionals and the public in scientific and clinical issues surrounding the prevention of genetic diseases from prenatal, premarital and newborn screening - a powerful new diagnostic tool. Aiming at reducing the raising incidences of genetic disorders in UAE, the conference will target Paediatric and General practitioners, Clinical Geneticists and Genetic Counselors who provide comprehensive diagnostic, management and counseling services for the patients.

During the two-day conference, internationally renowned Geneticists will address common genetic disorders such as autism, approach to mental retardation, Down syndrome, deafness and various metabolic disorders. The World Day for Rare Diseases will be observed on Feb. 28, the closing day of the conference, with special programs for children with genetic disorders.The day will be open to the families and relatives of the affected patients and the public to share information and connect with doctors, counselors and experts in special education.

"The conference will cover latest developments in the field of genetics metabolic that are pertinent to the practice of clinical medicine in the region. It will re-enforce the reputation of UAE as a center of excellence in various scientific and medical disciplines," says Dr.Tawfeg Ben-Omran, Head, Clinical
and Metabolic Genetics, Weill Cornell Medical College, Qatar.

The conference and the Rare Disease Day are supported by Sheikh Hamdan Award, Dubai Health Authority, Ministry of Health, Dubai Municipality, S.S. Lootah Healthcare, UAE University and Al Khoori Automobiles, in addition to international drug companies like Biomarine, Genzyme and Shire as the key sponsors.