Pioneering Precision Medicine in Saudi Arabia Through Innovation
2023-12-15
In the bustling heart of Riyadh, Dr. Yusra Alyafee, the Laboratory Director of Genalive, a joint venture between BGI Almanahil Health for Medical Services and Tibbiyah Holding, is spearheading innovative precision medicine solutions enhancing the well-being of the Saudi Arabian population.
Dr. Yusra's role involves a diverse range of responsibilities, from technical work and data analysis to support her close-knit, multicultural team of 24 dedicated individuals. While she calls Riyadh home, Dr. Yusra's roots trace back to Yemen, where her parents hailed from. Her passion for genetic technologies was ignited during her Masters in Biochemistry. BGI Genomics' reputation and ability to innovate in different fields led her to join the company.
Genalive Lab is formed by a multicultural team of 24 individuals
Genalive offers a comprehensive range of tests, including prenatal, postnatal, inherited and cancer genetics, but also clinical pathology services such as hematology and immunology. Testing and sample processing is localized within Saudi Arabia, further enhancing affordability and future innovative applications.
This laboratory is one of the largest and most advanced independent clinical laboratories within Saudi Arabia, covering an area of approximately 4,000 square meters. Its mission aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, focusing on preventive medicine and addressing genetic disorders through advanced screening technologies.
According to WHO statistics, colorectal cancer is the most common cancer in Saudi Arabia, posing a significant challenge to the local healthcare system. BGI Genomics State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report 2023 shows Saudi Arabia has a high percentage of respondents (62.7%) who never took CRC tests, far higher than global average of 54.1%.
BGI Genomics 2023 Global State of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Report reveals a substantial lack of CRC screening in Saudi Arabia
To address these problems, Genalive offers COLOTECT™, a non-invasive and accessible colorectal cancer screening test with a high sensitivity rate, aiming to raise awareness and detect disease at an early stage.
As the Kingdom embraces the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Dr. Yusra sees immense potential for positive, long-term impact in enhancing health outcomes. In order to meet the increasing demand for prenatal testing in the Kingdom, Genalive has introduced the NIFTY® test, allowing screening for common trisomies with enhanced safety, accuracy, and a rapid turnaround time.
Lab Director Dr. Yusra Alyafee and other Genalive team members
Outside of work, Dr. Yusra finds inspiration in raising her children with compassion and social responsibility. Her journey reflects her commitment to making a difference and her dedication to her family.
Dr. Yusra's story is defined by her name, which means "the person who makes everything easy" in Arabic. Besides her professional endeavors, she cherishes quality time with her family, exploring new places, experiencing diverse cuisines, and providing her two children with a broad worldview.
About BGI Genomics
BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676. SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.
Read more:
Saudi Public Health Authority and BGI Genomics sign MoU to Advance Public Health
BGI Genomics Unveils Genalive's Cutting-Edge Clinical Lab in Saudi Arabia
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