The Ministry of Health and Population stated that the President’s initiative for early detection of genetic diseases in newborns is an integrated system offering the following services:

• Providing psychological support to families
• Referring cases to genetic disease centers for treatment
• Free screening, follow-up, and treatment within the initiative

Dr. Hossam Abdel Ghaffar, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Population, explained that the initiative is currently in its first phase, targeting the detection of 19 genetic diseases in premature babies in the nurseries of Ministry of Health hospitals. The second phase is planned to include medical screening for all newborns at all health units nationwide.