PESHAWAR: Health experts have expressed concern over the growing incidence of genetic disorders and asked the people to undergo pre-marriage screening in cousin marriages to put brakes on thalassaemia and other ailments.

They were speaking at a seminar organised by Dosti Foundation at Khyber Medical University here on Wednesday, according to a press release.

Special secretary health Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah, who was the chief guest, emphasised that cousin marriages remained a strong but outdated tradition in tribal and semi-tribal communities, contributing to the prevalence of genetic disorders.

The event aimed to spread awareness among the people to take preventive measures to curb spread of genetic disorders.

Mr Shah highlighted the significant challenge of changing this deep-rooted cultural practice, and stressed the need for all state institutions to work together to create a healthier society by curbing the tradition.

The event brought together medical experts, faculty members, and a large number of students, highlighting the growing need for awareness and preventive measures against genetic disorders, especially in societies where cousin marriages were prevalent.

“We must focus more on disease prevention than treatment, and that starts with education. Genetic disorders need to be incorporated into school curricula to create early awareness,” he underscored.

Mr Shah said the health department was already taking steps to tackle the challenges posed by genetic disorders, and assured the participants that the seminar’s recommendations would be shared with the relevant stakeholders for approval.

On the occasion, KMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Ziaul Haq said that they had been continuously advocating for medical and social awareness about genetic disorders for several years. He noted that these efforts had yielded positive results with the provincial government enacting legislation and public awareness gradually increasing.

He said that cousin marriages were a leading cause of genetic disorders, significantly increasing the risk of conditions like thalassaemia in children. He called for a shift in societal attitudes and a greater focus on pre-marriage screening, which can help identify potential genetic risks even during early stages of pregnancy.

“An interdisciplinary approach is required to combat genetic disorders. Laws exist, but they must be implemented effectively. Pre-marriage tests and public awareness campaigns are essential steps toward addressing this issue,” Prof Haq emphasised.

Published in Dawn, October 3rd, 2024