KUWAIT CITY, Aug 5: The Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI), an affiliate of the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), has unveiled its strategic vision for the Kuwait National Genome Project, a groundbreaking initiative that was recently featured in the prestigious Nature Reviews Genetics, one of the world’s leading scientific journals on genetics.

Dr. Faisal Al-Rifai, Acting Director General of DDI, shared the details of the vision with KUNA on Tuesday, emphasizing that the project sets itself apart by integrating genetic data with environmental and lifestyle factors. This innovative approach aims to enhance the understanding of complex diseases, particularly Type 2 diabetes, which is influenced by the interaction between genes and environmental elements.

Dr. Al-Rifai highlighted the importance of this initiative against the backdrop of Kuwait’s high rates of chronic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. He also noted the country’s unique environmental challenges, including extreme temperatures and high levels of air pollution—factors that rank among the highest in the world. These conditions, he explained, create a distinctive environment for studying how genetic and environmental factors interact.

The project's vision is a direct result of ongoing efforts by the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), which has supported various initiatives, including workshops, conferences, and specialized training. A key initiative was the Precision Medicine Workshop, organized in collaboration with the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The workshop aimed to strengthen scientific collaboration between Kuwait and the United States.

Dr. Al-Rifai also emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in advancing this vision. He pointed to the cooperative agreements between the Dasman Diabetes Institute and several Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) scientific organizations, which are working together to position the region as a leader in genomics and precision medicine.

"We in the region possess the capabilities to lead in the fields of genomics and disease prevention," Dr. Al-Rifai said. "This vision represents the first step toward establishing a pioneering national project built on solid scientific and ethical foundations, ultimately enhancing preventive medicine and making a significant impact on public health in Kuwait and the broader region."