Riffa: 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.
According to Bahrain News Agency, this treatment was completed in the Kingdom of Bahrain, marking him as both the first Bahraini and the first patient outside the United States of America to receive this advanced treatment. Bahrain is recognized as one of the pioneering countries in implementing this procedure for sickle cell disease.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts made and affirmed Bahrain's commitment, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to advancing the healthcare sector by adopting the latest medical technologies to provide high-quality healthcare for its citizens. He emphasized the importance of international partnerships and cooperation with specialized health organizations to facilitate access to the latest treatments and medical technologies.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad commended the achievements of Team Bahrain and healthcare institutions, which demonstrate the Kingdom's dedication to developing and enhancing its healthcare sector. He noted that treatments for sickle cell disease, like bone marrow transplantation using Casgevy, require advanced healthcare institutions and specialized medical professionals, which Bahrain has invested in. This investment enables the Kingdom to deliver healthcare services in line with the latest medical standards and technologies.
His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of continuing efforts to enhance Bahrain's healthcare and treatment services, ensuring alignment with the highest international standards.
Amjad Kadhim Ahmed expressed his sincere gratitude to HM the King for his support of Bahraini citizens and the development of the healthcare sector. He also extended his thanks to His Royal Highness for efforts in providing citizens with access to the latest medical treatment options. He praised the medical team and national workforce that contributed to his successful treatment, noting that his recovery through CRISPR gene-editing therapy marks a new milestone in Bahrain's healthcare achievements.
HE Dr. Jalila bint Al Sayyed Jawad Hassan, Minister of Health, and HE Hamad bin Faisal Al Malki, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, were present at the meeting.