Genetic disorders attributed to cousin marriages

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a seminar on Wednesday said cousin marriages were largely contributing to the genetic disorders.They were addressing a seminar arranged by the Khyber Medical University (KMU) in collaboration with the Dosti Foundation.

The event brought together medical experts, faculty members, and students, highlighting the growing need for awareness and preventive measures against genetic disorders, especially in societies where cousin marriages were prevalent.

The speakers said that cousin marriages were a leading cause of genetic disorders, significantly increasing the risk of conditions like thalassemia in children.They called for a shift in societal attitudes and a greater focus on pre-marriage screening, which can help identify potential genetic risks even during early pregnancy stages.

Special Secretary of Health, Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah, said cousin marriages remained a strong but outdated tradition contributing to the prevalence of genetic disorders.We must focus more on disease prevention than treatment, and that starts with education. Genetic disorders need to be incorporated into school curricula to create early awareness,” he said.

He added that the Health Department was already taking steps to tackle the challenges posed by genetic disorders and assured that the seminar’s recommendations would be shared with relevant stakeholders for approval. The official highlighted the significant challenge of changing this deep-rooted cultural practice of cousin marriages but stressed the need for all state institutions to work together to create a healthier society by curbing this tradition.

KMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Ziaul Haq said that KMU in collaboration with Dosti Foundation and other organizations, had been advocating for years for medical and social awareness about genetic disorders.

He said these efforts had yielded positive results, with the provincial government enacting legislation and public awareness gradually increasing.“An interdisciplinary approach is required to combat genetic disorders. Laws exist, but they must be implemented effectively. Pre-marriage tests and public awareness campaigns are essential steps toward addressing this issue,” Dr. Zia remarked.

The speakers at the seminar emphasized the importance of education and awareness campaigns to prevent genetic disorders, urging the media and religious scholars to play a proactive role in spreading the message.

They stressed that addressing these issues was not only a matter of healthcare but also a social responsibility.The seminar concluded with a call to action, urging participants to serve as ambassadors of this critical message, spreading awareness and helping build a healthier future for society.