The TV program Egypt Can, presented by acclaimed host Ahmed Fayek, showcased the latest developments of the national project “The Egyptian Genome,” considered one of the largest scientific initiatives in modern Egypt’s history. The project aims to better understand the genetic makeup of the Egyptian population and establish a precise foundation for personalized medicine.
Fayek interviewed several doctors who stated that, among 1,024 Egyptian cases studied, 18.5% of their genetic composition was found to be distinct from that of other populations used for comparison. This segment of the Egyptian genome is not found in the reference populations, suggesting that it may trace back thousands of years to the era of the ancient Egyptians.
The findings were presented as supporting evidence against claims that modern Egyptians are unrelated to the ancient Egyptians and the Pharaonic civilization.
Dr. Khaled Amer, during his appearance on the TV program Egypt Can emphasized the importance of premarital medical examinations as a fundamental step in reducing genetic diseases resulting from consanguineous marriages.
He noted that such screenings contribute to building a healthier generation and help lessen the future economic burden on the healthcare system.
Egypt Can highlighted findings from the Egyptian Genome Project, which revealed surprising results about genetic proximity.
The Egyptian Genome Project indicated that some of the populations genetically closest to Egyptians include Yemenis, Saudis, and people from the Levant region, specifically Jordanians, Palestinians, and Syrians.
Dr. Yahya Zakaria Gad, a guest on the TV program Egypt Can revealed that the Egyptian Genome Project has successfully analyzed 1,024 samples out of a targeted 25,000 in its first phase. The samples were collected from citizens across 21 governorates, forming a comprehensive genetic database representing Egyptians.
Early results showed that approximately 9.1% of Egyptians carry the mutation associated with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF), a relatively high rate that highlights the need to expand early screening programs and increase public health awareness.
Dr. Gad also emphasized that the primary goal of the project is to “localize personalized medicine,” meaning that treatments can be designed based on each patient’s genetic makeup rather than relying on generalized treatment protocols developed for other populations. This approach is expected to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Egypt Can highlighted the details of the “Sports Axis” within the Egyptian Sports Genome Project, which is being implemented in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports. The initiative aims to discover athletic talent and scientifically guide it based on genetic composition.
Dr. Khaled Amer, the project’s principal researcher, revealed that the first phase of the study focused on analyzing the genes of 116 Egyptian sports champions who have won international titles, in order to understand the genetic factors associated with athletic excellence.
He explained that the analyses include measuring muscle endurance, reaction speed, oxygen consumption rates, and assessing injury susceptibility, which helps build an accurate database of each athlete’s physical characteristics.
The TV program also noted that the “sports genome” will enable technical and medical teams to design personalized training and nutrition programs for each athlete according to their genetic profile, enhancing performance efficiency, reducing injuries, and supporting higher levels of professionalism.
The project aims to create a major shift in Egyptian sports by enabling early prediction of children’s athletic abilities and directing them toward the sports best suited to their genetics, ultimately helping produce Olympic champions capable of competing globally with higher efficiency and lower cost.
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