Results of premarital screening in Qatif: 98% compatibility and 85% response to counseling

In a move reflecting growing health and community awareness in Saudi Arabia, the premarital screening program at the Qatif Health Network has achieved record-breaking results, with a 98% compatibility rate among prospective spouses and an 85% response rate to genetic counseling. These results are not merely statistics, but rather indicative of a profound cultural shift towards building families free from genetic and infectious diseases.

Historical context and national importance of the program

The "Healthy Marriage" program is one of the most important national preventative programs adopted by the Saudi Ministry of Health, and it has been mandatory since 1425 AH (2004/2005). This program was introduced as an urgent necessity to reduce the spread of hereditary blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia), which were recording high rates in some regions, particularly in the Eastern Province, due to genetic factors and consanguineous marriages. The program primarily aims to reduce the burden on healthcare facilities and spare families the psychological, social, and economic hardships associated with caring for children with chronic and debilitating illnesses.

The effectiveness of a healthy marriage: figures and implications

Dr. Rehab Al-Balushi, coordinator of the "Healthy Marriage" event at the Qatif Health Network, explained during the fifth edition of the awareness campaign that the ongoing efforts of healthcare professionals have yielded tangible results. She noted that the event included four main sections aimed at raising awareness: a section on genetic diseases, a section on safe and unsafe marriage, a section for rapid testing for sickle cell anemia, and a hospitality section.

Al-Balushi confirmed that the program, which was launched years ago, has made significant strides, saying: "Our main goal is to create a healthy family and healthy children. Today, we have reached a response rate of 85% for genetic counseling, a percentage that reflects the community's confidence in medical opinion and prioritizing the health interests of the future family.".

Diseases covered by the screening and 2025 updates

The program works to detect two main types of diseases to ensure the safety of both partners and their offspring:

• First: Hereditary blood diseases: These include sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, which are diseases that require continuous medical care and may significantly affect quality of life.
• Second: Infectious diseases: These include Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), and Hepatitis B and C.

In an important update to the health protocol, Dr. Al-Balushi indicated that the "syphilis" test will be added to the list of approved tests in the program starting in 2025 AD, as several cases have been discovered and the necessary treatment has been provided to them, which enhances the health safety net for those about to get married.

The role of counseling clinics in cases of incompatibility

One of the program's strengths is its mechanism for handling "incompatibility" cases. If the results indicate a potential transmission of genetic diseases, the program doesn't simply issue the result; it refers both parties to "counseling clinics." These clinics offer intensive educational sessions that clearly and transparently explain potential medical risks and provide future plans and alternative solutions.

Statistics indicated that the initiative to reduce incompatibility cases was remarkably successful, with the overall compatibility rate for marriages reaching 98%. Al-Balushi concluded by praising the efforts of the 25 volunteer healthcare professionals who participated in the event, and advised all those about to marry to adhere to the medical findings to ensure the building of a healthy and happy society.