Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) a member of Qatar Foundation (QF), will complete sequencing10,000 genomes by June this year, disclosed a senior official.

“We have sequenced over 9,000 genomes already and will be completing 10,000 by next month. We are also focusing on several other aspects of the programme. We are working not just on genome sequencing but also working on building human capacity and fostering genomic research in Qatar. We are drafting policies and regulations in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health,” said Dr Said Ismail, QGP programme manager.
Dr Ismail was speaking at the inaugural session of the two day Qatar Genome Programme Symposium at the Qatar National Convention Centre. 


A view of the audience

According to Dr Ismail, QGP is unique because it has an applicable plan. “We are also working on to integrate genomic data into electronic health records. We have initiated two graduate programmes and conducted two national surveys; one for the public and one professional survey. We have launched QGB research consortium. And, we are working on to create the Qatari genome chip,” he explained.
“The classical medical care of one size fits all, will soon be the past, because many people are getting sub-optimal care under that model. The future is precision medicine. The future is medical care tailored around your genome at the preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic levels. This will lead to more accurate diagnosis and treatment, and most important, better prevention,” highlighted the official.
The symposium, under the theme ‘Ethics, Regulations, and Best Practices in Genomic Medicine’, is held in collaboration with the Ministry of the Public Health and the Research Centre for Islamic Legislation and Ethics.
Prof Asmaa al-Thani, chairperson of the Qatar Genome Programme Committee and board vice chairperson of Qatar Biobank, said, “Each genomic breakthrough comes with corresponding moral, ethical and legal issues, including ones we may not have anticipated. It is our responsibility to address these concerns with the same rigor that we conduct our research. This means understanding the cultural and religious traditions and restrictions of our patients, so we can best serve them.” 
Prof Richard O’Kennedy, vice president of QF Research, Development and Innovation, noted, “For everyone now, the genome is very exciting, and we are at a stage where we can begin to understand the biology that underpins who we are, and use that knowledge to improve the quality of life in Qatar and around the world. To me, we are at the start of a fantastic journey, and the future is in our hands.”
Keynote speaker Dr Kathy Farndon, former head, Genomics Data and Informatics at National Health Service,UK discussed the challenges and successes of integrating research and clinical care in the context of the NHS’s 100,000 Genomes Project. 
The day featured three sessions, including presentations and panel discussions, on three broad topics: National Genome Projects: Governance, Policies and Regulations; Genomic Data Ownership, Sharing and Integration into the Health System; and Delivery of Genomic Data.
The symposium concludes on Monday with discussions about genetic counselling and genomics in the context of Islamic ethics.

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