The Police Schools Department at Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, in collaboration with the Marriage Fund, organized a discussion seminar titled “Pre-Marital Tests” at the Department’s building in Suweihan.
Before the seminar, “the final decision” theatre play was presented, telling the story of a young man who married a girl suffering from Thalassemia, after understanding the causes of the disease, how to treat and prevent it.
Lt. Colonel Mohanna Mohammad Al Nuaimi, Deputy Director of the Police Schools Department, said: “The discussion seminar focused on the Thalassemia disease as a genetically inherited non-infectious blood disorder that holds no risks to people who deal with patients.”
“Treating this disease is now possible. The United Arab Emirates, supported by its higher leadership, provide sufficient opportunities for treatment at its medical centers, along with the awareness role played by non-profit organizations, such as the Emirates Thalassemia Society that contributes efficiently to educate patients and provide them with information related to medical centers in the UAE,” he added.
Dr. Issam Al Dhahir, MD, genetic blood diseases specialist, pointed out that Thalassemia (Mediterranean Anemia) is a group of genetic disorders that prevent the body from producing the normal blood quality it needs to survive. “This disease cannot be transmitted through infection from one person to another,” he said.
Dr. Al Dhahir emphasized the need for pre-marital medical tests, to protect couples from all genetic diseases in general, and Thalassemia in particular. He pointed out the importance of such tests to determine whether one carries the genes responsible for some genetic diseases. He also stressed the importance of reducing the marriage between relatives; one reason that increase the incidence of genetic diseases.
“A female carrier of the disease can marry, have children and live a normal life if the pre-marital tests clear the husband from the genetic features responsible for the diseases; provided that she undergoes the proper treatment during pregnancy,” Dr. Al Dhahir added.
For his part, Dr. Saif bin Rashid Al Jabiri, Head of Researches Section at the Department of Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities, said: “The UAE pays special attention to Thalassemia patients, by providing them with moral and social support, as well as awareness programs to acquaint patients with the disease and methods of treatment and prevention, as well as to encourage nationwide blood donation campaigns in the UAE.”
The discussion seminar was attended by Colonel Mohammed Muhanna Al Nuaimi, Deputy Director of Police Schools, a number of officers and audience including freshmen class number 85 and freshmen class number 35.