OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRECISION MEDICINE AND PRECISION PUBLIC HEALTH IN SAUDI ARABIA

Precision approaches in health stem from innovations in basic sciences and -omic technologies and rely on individuals’ genomic structure to develop tailored treatment and prevention opportunities. Saudi Arabia has recently shown increasing interest in implementing precision approaches to improve healthcare and tackle its major health challenges. This study investigated opportunities, requirements and barriers in the implementation of precision approaches in health in Saudi Arabia. A narrative literature review included resources published in English and Arabic after 1995 if identified by search terms. Opportunities for implementation of precision approaches were identified in the context of the main local health issues. Requirements for precision medicine implementation were identified, including the ability to collect and process data. In addition, barriers and challenges, as lack of awareness of the field amongst health staff, were pointed out. The outcome offers relevant information to implementation attempts in the field and may help guiding policymaking efforts. Keywords: Precision medicine, Precision public health, Genomics, KSA