KMU seminar on genetic disorders warns against cousin marriages 

PESHAWAR: Khyber Medical University (KMU) in collaboration with the Dosti Foundation, hosted a seminar on genetic disorders, stressing the need for awareness and preventive measures, particularly in societies where cousin marriages are prevalent.

Addressing the seminar, attended by medical experts, faculty members, and students, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Special Secretary Health Syed Abdul Ghafoor Shah said that cousin marriages, deeply rooted in the tribal and semi-tribal regions, are a major contributor to the increasing incidence of genetic disorders.

Acknowledged the challenge of changing such long-standing cultural practices, he stressed the importance of collective action from state institutions to promote healthier alternatives.

"We need to prioritise prevention over treatment, beginning with education. Incorporating genetic disorder awareness into school curricula is crucial for fostering early understanding," Mr Shah emphasised, saying the KP health department is working on tackling genetic disorders and would present the seminar's recommendations to relevant authorities for further action.

Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq emphasised that KMU, alongside the Dosti Foundation and other partners, has been advocating for greater medical and social awareness regarding genetic disorders for years. These efforts have resulted in positive outcomes, including new legislation and a growing public awareness of the issue, he added.

Experts at the seminar reiterated that cousin marriages significantly increase the risk of genetic disorders, particularly conditions like thalassemia in children, calling for a cultural shift towards pre-marital screening and heightened attention to genetic risks during early pregnancy to reduce the prevalence of such disorders.