The NHS plans to map the DNA of every newborn baby in England to assess their risk of hundreds of diseases. This new initiative is part of a ten-year government plan focused on predicting and preventing illness.
The government will invest £650 million in DNA research for all patients by 2030. Health Secretary Wes Streeting said gene technology will help the NHS “leapfrog disease” by catching it early, rather than reacting after illness develops.
This move follows a study launched in October that analyzed the genetic code of up to 100,000 babies. The study targeted gene disorders that appear in early childhood and can be treated effectively.
The government’s upcoming 10-year NHS plan aims to reduce pressure on health services. It will use genomics—the study of genes—and artificial intelligence to improve prevention, speed up diagnoses, and provide early warnings of disease.
Currently, newborn babies only get a heelprick blood test, which screens for nine serious conditions such as cystic fibrosis. The new program will sequence the complete DNA of newborns using blood samples from their umbilical cords.
There are about 7,000 known single gene disorders. The new screening will look for many more of these disorders beyond those covered by current tests.
The Department for Health and Social Care said this technology will “revolutionise prevention” and help provide faster diagnoses. Health Secretary Streeting explained, “With this technology, patients can get personalised healthcare to stop ill-health before symptoms appear.” This could ease the burden on NHS services and help people live longer, healthier lives.
