KUWAIT CITY, Sept 11: Assistant Undersecretary for Medical Support Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdullah Al-Fars, announced on Wednesday that Kuwait is the first country in the Middle East to offer treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi at a celebration organized by the Ministry's Genetic Diseases Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for World Awareness Day for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Dr. Al-Fars highlighted the rarity of the disease, a recessive genetic condition linked to the X chromosome, which affects 1 in every 3,500 male births.

Dr. Al-Fars noted that the Genetic Diseases Center has been tracking Duchenne cases since 2000, with over 130 cases registered in Kuwait. He explained that the disease, which previously led to death in the twenties and thirties due to respiratory muscle impact, saw renewed hope in 2016 as research advanced understanding of the genetic defect involved. Kuwait is now expanding access to gene therapies as they receive FDA approval, with the latest therapy approved in June 2023.

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy require comprehensive health and social care starting with a complete genetic analysis at the Genetic Diseases Center, followed by necessary treatments.

Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations Affairs, Minister Plenipotentiary Abdulaziz Al-Jarallah, emphasized Kuwait’s commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and global health advancement. He highlighted Kuwait's initiative to propose a resolution for World Awareness Day for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the UN General Assembly, which was adopted with support from 128 countries, designating September 7 as the official day.

Al-Jarallah stated that the goal of the event is to raise awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy and support affected individuals and families. He underscored Kuwait’s commitment to providing aid locally and internationally and fostering a supportive environment for rare disease patients in alignment with the New Kuwait 2035 vision.

Dr. Laila Bastaki, Head of the Genetic Diseases Center, remarked that Kuwait's push for September 7 as World Awareness Day for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is a significant milestone in supporting those affected by the disease. She highlighted that the National Registry of Hereditary Neuromuscular Diseases currently contains about 141 Duchenne cases.

Dr. Bastaki noted that Duchenne muscular dystrophy results from a genetic defect but can occasionally arise without a known genetic origin. The disease impairs movement and causes complications in various body organs, including the heart, respiratory muscles, and spine. Since 2016, Kuwait has been one of the first in the region to provide costly drug treatments for Duchenne, prioritizing children aged 4 to 6. This reflects Kuwait's ongoing commitment to providing innovative treatments for rare genetic conditions and improving the quality of life for those affected. The center offers integrated services including diagnosis, genetic counseling, and both traditional and modern gene therapies. (KUNA)