Genomics for Kids in ASEAN programme to set up registry to further tackle rare diseases in region
The Straits Times
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SINGAPORE – A genetic registry will be set up under the Genomics for Kids in ASEAN programme to help deepen understanding of rare genetic diseases in South-east Asia.
Announcing this at the annual KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) Rare Disease Day, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State for Education, said: “As Singapore develops our precision medicine capabilities, we will continue to share our experience with our ASEAN neighbours.
“Every genome sequenced and every variant discovered will strengthen knowledge that will benefit children across the region for years to come.”
Dr Janil, who is a trained paediatrician, added: “No single country sees enough cases to interpret every genetic variant or recognise every rare condition.
“By pooling our expertise and resources, we create something more powerful than the sum of our individual efforts. For families, this means that their child’s condition is studied not by one team, but by a network of regional experts committed to finding answers.”
He was speaking via video link at the event held on Feb 27 at KKH.
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