Egypt Genome Project identifies 17 million new genetic variants, paving way for precision medicine
via Egypt Today1 min read
Egypt has published its first peer-reviewed research paper detailing the results of the Egypt Genome Project 1K EGP1K, a landmark study that sequenced the full genomes of 1,024 unrelated citizens. The project identified over 51 million genetic variants, including 17 million previously unknown to global databases. Health Ministry Spokesperson Hossam Abdel Ghaffar stated that the Egyptian genome is now a tool for doctors to protect the lives of Egyptians. Led by Dr. Khaled Amer ECRRM and Dr. Ahmed Mostafa AUC, the initiative marks a shift toward "precision medicine" tailored to the local population. Samples were collected from 21 of Egypt’s 27 governorates, with all laboratory analyses conducted in Cairo. Abdel Ghaffar highlighted that European-based risk tools incorrectly classified a high percentage of Egyptians as "high risk" for strokes and chronic kidney disease. The EGP1K will enable the development of "100% Egyptian" personalized tests for accurate identification of individuals requiring intervention. The study also found that 9.1% of Egyptians carry the gene for Familial Mediterranean Fever FMF, leading to approximately 6,600 affected births annually. This data will be used to provide free preventive screenings and treatments for at-risk families and improve the management of thalassemia and hereditary hearing loss. The "Egypt Genome Consortium" involved over 30 researchers and represents efforts by several institutions, including the Ministry of Health, the Armed Force
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President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stated on Tuesday that Gulf security is an integral part of Egyptian national security, expressing Cairo's full solidarity with Manama amidst regional tensions. These remarks were made during his visit to Bahrain, where he met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa after a visit to Qatar. The Spokesperson for the Egyptian Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, reported that Sisi underscored Egypt’s unwavering support for Bahrain’s stability and condemned any unjustified attacks against the kingdom as a violation of international law and a dangerous regional escalation. He reiterated Egypt's rejection of attempts to compromise the security of Bahrain, Gulf Cooperation Council nations, or the broader Arab region, affirming Cairo's stance with its partners to protect their sovereignty. Sisi also praised King Hamad's leadership in maintaining regional stability and detailed Egypt's diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions peacefully. King Hamad welcomed El-Sisi and appreciated Egypt's continuous support for Gulf security. Both leaders emphasized the need for close coordination and joint action to address shared challenges and restore stability.
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi visited Lusail Palace in Doha to extend his condolences to the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, following the passing of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. President El-Sisi expressed Egypt's solidarity with Qatar during this period of mourning and acknowledged the late Father Amir's contributions to Qatar's development. The Spokesman for the Egyptian Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, confirmed President El-Sisi's message of support. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani thanked President El-Sisi for his visit and emphasized the strong historical ties between their nations, expressing a desire to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Egypt's Minister of Agriculture Alaa Farouk met with AbdulHakim Elwaer, the FAO's Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, to discuss strengthening cooperation, particularly FAO's support for the government's "Productive Village Revival" initiative. This initiative aims to transform Egyptian villages from consumer communities into productive economic hubs, promoting sustainable rural development. Key aspects include enhancing youth and rural women's skills, creating jobs, increasing household incomes, and establishing a unified brand for village products. The plan also focuses on diversifying rural income, improving environmental sustainability through waste recycling, expanding contract farming and mechanization, supporting livestock development, promoting silk and beekeeping industries, and strengthening agricultural cooperatives. Elwaer affirmed FAO's readiness to provide technical expertise and support for the initiative's long-term success.