Health: Genome success to help Covid-19 fight – Gulf Digital News

Health: Genome success to help Covid-19 fight – Gulf Digital News

SEVENTEEN countries in the Arab region, including Bahrain, have domestic genome sequencing capacity which could further help combat the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, it has emerged.

However, the remaining five nations are supported by World Health Organisation (WHO) in sequencing gene samples.

The UN agency has launched a “regional genome surveillance network” to tap into and develop this potential as part of its efforts to tackle the virus, said WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO) regional director Dr Ahmed Al Mandhari.

Genomic sequencing is regarded important for Covid-19 response, especially with the emergence of newer variants.

Genomic data has guided countries to make quick and informed public health decisions since the start of the pandemic. It can also help prepare for potential surges and take important steps such as increasing oxygen supply, opening more hospital beds or ramp up testing.

“Seventeen countries in the region currently have domestic genome sequencing capacity to detect variants of concern, and the remaining five countries receive WHO support to sequence samples within the regional reference laboratories for sequencing,” said Dr Al Mandhari while addressing an online Press briefing.

“WHO has started the process of establishing a strong regional genome surveillance network, in collaboration with member states and partners that will contribute to