Muscat – Ministry of Health (MoH) will launch a year-long national campaign to promote premarital medical screening later this month in an effort to combat an increase in hereditary blood disorders, including sickle cell anaemia and beta-thalassemia.

The screening will become mandatory starting 2026.

The initiative is part of the ministry’s long-standing efforts to enhance public health. Since its inception in 1999, the premarital screening programme has been one of the most critical preventive health measures under Oman’s primary healthcare strategy, with a particular focus on women and children’s health.

Speaking to Muscat Daily about the significance of the campaign, an MoH official said, “Although the programme has been in place for several years, we’ve seen limited participation, especially due to the high rate of consanguineous marriages in Oman. This is a major factor in the higher-than-global average prevalence of hereditary blood disorders in our society.”

While global statistics indicate that approximately 7% of children are born with hereditary blood disorders, the rate in Oman is notably higher at 9-10%.

The year-long campaign aims to raise awareness on the importance of premarital medical screening and encourage greater participation. By informing relevant stakeholders and the general public about the health, social and religious aspects of the screening, the ministry hopes to increase engagement and reduce the prevalence of these genetic disorders.

The campaign will also highlight the significant health and financial benefits of premarital screening. By preventing the transmission of hereditary blood disorders, the initiative seeks to ease the burden on healthcare institutions and blood banks. Additionally, it will reduce the financial strain on families who would otherwise face the high costs of treating affected individuals.

Earlier this month, MoH organised an introductory meeting for the National Awareness Campaign for Premarital Medical Screening. The meeting emphasised the importance of collaboration across all sectors to ensure the success of the campaign. The ministry underscored that reducing prevalence of hereditary diseases will not only improve public health but also alleviate pressure on healthcare resources and support the well-being of Omani society at large.