Each newborn will be tested for 21 genetic diseases – Liashko

The Ministry of Health will expand the list of genetic diseases to be screened from 4 to 21.

The Minister of Health Viktor Liashko stated this at the All-Ukrainian Forum "Ukraine 30. Healthy Ukraine," Ukrinform reports.

"We introduce certain screening things, we start with neonatal screening. That is, every newborn today will be screened for genetic diseases. We're expanding the list of these diseases from 4 that we had to 21. We'll move to detect genetic diseases, orphan diseases in time, form a register of these diseases, and do everything possible to ensure that the state provides medical correction of these diseases in the early stages of life," Liashko said.

In addition, he added, the family screening will be introduced, when couples planning to have a baby can undergo certain tests and assess the risks of developing genetic diseases.

The Minister stressed that in the strategy of human capital development, which was approved by a presidential decree in June this year, a separate section is devoted to a healthy childhood. Yes, attention will be paid to infant mortality, the quality of care from birth and during pregnancy.

As reported by Rubryka, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyi presented the "Healthy Ukraine" national program, which aims to achieve a longer life expectancy for Ukrainians.

One of the program components is a model of a healthy school, which includes eight parts to strengthen the health and immunity of students: educational space; health and safety education; physical culture and physical activity; healthy eating; medical service; psychological service; teacher training and health; family and community involvement.