Manama : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today met with Amjad Kazem Ahmed, at Riffa Palace, following the successful completion of his treatment for sickle cell disease using a bone marrow transplantation technology with Casgevy (exagamglogene autotemcel), a CRISPR gene-editing therapy.
The treatment was completed in the Kingdom of Bahrain, making him both the first Bahraini and patient outside the United States of America to receive the treatment.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is considered among the first countries to successfully implement this advanced procedure for sickle cell disease.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister welcomed the efforts and affirmed Bahrain’s commitment, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to advancing the Kingdom’s healthcare sector and adopting the latest medical and treatment technologies to provide the highest standards of healthcare for citizens.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad reiterated the importance of international partnerships and cooperation with specialised health organisations in facilitating access to the latest treatments and advanced medical technologies.
His Royal Highness commended the achievements of Team Bahrain and healthcare institutions, which reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to developing and enhancing the healthcare sector.
His Royal Highness noted that the treatment of sickle cell disease through bone marrow transplantation using Casgevy, a CRISPR gene-editing therapy, along with other advanced treatments for various diseases, requires developed healthcare institutions and specialised medical professionals, which the Kingdom of Bahrain has invested in. This has enabled Bahrain to be able to deliver healthcare services in line with the latest medical standards and technologies.
His Royal Highness outlined the importance of continuing efforts to enhance Bahrain’s healthcare and treatment services in line with the highest international standards.
For his part, Amjad Kadhim Ahmed expressed his sincere gratitude to HM the King for His Majesty’s support for Bahraini citizens, and commitment to developing the healthcare sector. He also extended his thanks and appreciation for His Royal Highness’s efforts to provide citizens with access to the latest medical treatment options.
Amjad Kadhim Ahmed commended the efforts of the medical team and national workforce that contributed to the success of his treatment, affirming that his recovery through CRISPR gene-editing therapy represents a new milestone in the Kingdom’s accomplishments in the healthcare sector.
HE Dr Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, and HE Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, were in attendance.
