WHO Director-General Congratulates Bahraini Patient on Successful CRISPR Treatment

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

During his visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, held a virtual call with Bahraini citizen Amjad Al-Muharraqi, who recently became the first person outside the United States to successfully undergo CRISPR gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease. The call took place in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Health, H.E. Dr. Jaleela bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hassan.

Dr. Tedros congratulated Al-Muharraqi on the success of his treatment, expressing his delight at this groundbreaking medical achievement. He emphasized that this milestone marks a significant step forward in the treatment of genetic disorders, particularly sickle cell disease. He also highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge medical innovations to enhance patient care and public health.

During the conversation, Dr. Tedros inquired about Al-Muharraqi’s health and wished him continued well-being. He commended the young Bahraini’s resilience in undergoing this advanced treatment, describing his experience as an inspiration for others battling genetic diseases.

The WHO chief further stressed the organization’s keen interest in monitoring advancements in gene therapy, noting that Al-Muharraqi’s success story offers hope to thousands of patients worldwide suffering from inherited blood disorders. He underlined that this breakthrough represents a paradigm shift in the approach to treating such conditions, opening new possibilities for previously incurable diseases.