Examples of National Initiatives Supporting the Achievement of this Goal
National Health Insurance Program (Sehati)
The Kingdom of Bahrain continues to work towards the full implementation of the National Health Insurance Program (Sehati) by the end of 2026, as part of its efforts to advance the healthcare system and establish a sustainable healthcare financing model. The program aims to ensure comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services while granting beneficiaries the freedom to choose their healthcare provider. It is supported by the Health Insurance Fund (SHIFA), which serves as the financial and administrative foundation of the system, alongside the Sehati mobile app, which provides integrated digital healthcare services. Together, these initiatives aim to facilitate access to healthcare, enhance service efficiency, and foster competition between the public and private healthcare sectors.
Advancing Precision Medicine through the National Genome Program
Launched in 2019, Bahrain’s National Genome Program is a pioneering national initiative in precision medicine, aimed at developing a comprehensive genetic map of the Bahraini population to support early disease detection and the development of targeted treatments. As of June 2026, the program had collected approximately 75,855 samples, progressing towards its target of 100,000 samples by 2028. To further advance its technological capabilities, Bahrain became the first country in the Middle East to acquire and operate the advanced NovaSeq X Plus genomic sequencing system, capable of performing more than 20,000 whole-genome sequencing procedures annually, strengthening the Kingdom’s capabilities in diagnostics, scientific research, and advanced healthcare services.
Gene Therapy Using CRISPR Technology
The Kingdom of Bahrain achieved a pioneering medical milestone on the international stage by successfully treating two patients with sickle cell disease using CRISPR gene-editing therapy, becoming the first country outside the United States to successfully administer this treatment. This achievement reflects the national healthcare system’s capacity to adopt cutting-edge medical technologies and provide advanced treatment options for genetic disorders, contributing to improving patients’ quality of life and strengthening Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for precision medicine and advanced specialized treatments.
Promoting Health and Quality of Life in the Community
The Kingdom of Bahrain achieved a significant public health milestone by being designated a “Healthy Kingdom” in December 2025, following the accreditation of all four governorates under the World Health Organization (WHO) Healthy Cities framework. This followed Manama’s designation in 2021 as the first Healthy Capital in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This achievement reflects national efforts to promote public health and create supportive community environments that encourage healthy lifestyles, extending to educational institutions, commercial establishments, and workplaces. These efforts have included the accreditation of eight Healthy Universities, alongside the implementation of health-promoting initiatives across 28 shopping malls and 29 major workplaces, contributing to enhancing quality of life across the Kingdom.