An initiative to support families impacted by inherited genetic diseases in Qatar was launched on Tuesday.
Shafallah Medical Genetics Center together with Virgin Health Bank signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop initiatives to benefit the families affected by inherited disorders in Qatar and support the continued development of both organisations and the people working within them.
Dr Hatem El Shanti, Managing Director, Shafallah Medical Genetics Center and Dr Rajan Jethwa, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Health Bank signed the MoU, which will be implemented for five years.
“Our joint efforts will lead to many positive changes in the field of cord blood banking and transplantation in Qatar and the region,” said Dr El Shanti
The agreement will lead to design and implement educational initiatives that improve awareness about stem cells and the specific inherited genetic diseases that are prevalent in Qatar.
“Arab communities need a source of stem cells that are matched to their specific genetic makeup for life saving transplants. There are number of prevalent diseases and genetic disorders here in Qatar and the GCC region that stem cell transplants can treat,” Dr Jethwa said.
“We will work together for the next five years to bring the best quality services and stem cell products to Shafallah families, staff and Qatar’s population,” he said. Stem cell banking services will be created and educational programmes will be designed specifically to meet the needs of families who are under the care and advice of the Shafallah Medical Genetics Center.
Both organisations will make their specialist technical and scientific capabilities available to support the development of each other’s work and establish a mutual exchange of training services for their personnel.
The cord blood bank is presently is a personal bank targeting specific families with a dedicated system.
Virgin Health Bank is also discussing with officials about establishing a public cord blood bank which could allow access to a wider choice for a compatible match.
“We have proposed to the Health Ministry about a public cord blood bank. May be in future after some years it could be established,” said Dr Jethwa.
Blood left in the umbilical cord after a baby is born is rich in stem cells.
These stem cells are the master cells from which all cells in the body develop. Eighty percent approved therapies using cord blood stems cells, treatment for diseases including leukaemia, Sickle Cell Anaemia and Beta Thalassaemia.
Close to 1,250 clinical trials for cord blood stems are underway and treatment being developed for type II diabetes, heart disease, muscular dystrophies, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.
The Peninsula