The Ministry of Health (MOH) has pointed out that the Healthy Marriage Program in Tabuk has received over the first quarter of the current year, via 8 pre-marital screening centers, a number of 2.697 persons intending to marry. Whereas a number of 44 cases have been referred to the Medical Counseling Clinic, so as to provide them with advices and guidance, after the results of tests had showed incompatibility. The MOH went on adding that the tests, provided by the Program, is a blood testing for certain genetic diseases (sickle cell anemia and thalassemia) and some communicable diseases (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS).
It is worth mentioning that the Healthy Marriage Program, which the Ministry has begun to implement across the different regions of the Kingdom since 1425H, is reckoned a national community awareness and prevention program; aiming at reducing the prevalence of certain genetic diseases (sickle cell anemia and thalassemia) and some communicable diseases (Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS). The program aims at reducing the financial burden resulting from the people treatment for families and community, working to reduce the pressure on health institutions and blood banks, avoiding social and psychological problems for families, whose children are suffering, as well as promoting awareness on the comprehensive health marriage concept.