The need for public health action to control genetic and congenital disorders is reflected in the significant magnitude and considerable burden that these problems represent in populations of the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Furthermore, the remarkable scientific developments and advances in understanding the genetic component in disease, the increasing power of diagnostic techniques and the expanding possibilities for identifying genetic diseases and predispositions emphasize this need and call for the development of effective genetics services and prevention programmes throughout the Region.
This publication summarizes the available data on the situation of congenital malformations and genetic disorders in the Region, identifies priorities and approaches for their prevention that are feasible and appropriate to the Region, and outlines public health interventions that can be integrated into existing health care systems. It also provides technical and managerial guidelines for the establishment of prevention and control programmes at the national and local levels. Throughout the publication, special emphasis has been placed on strengthening the role of primary health care, integrating interventions into reproductive health programmes and ensuring feasibility of strategies, as well as on the increasingly important issues related to cost_effectiveness of proposed interventions.
The conclusions and recommendations of the WHO Regional Consultation on Community Genetics Services, held in Alexandria, Egypt, from 17 to 21 April 1994 have been included in Chapter 14.
We sincerely hope that this publication will have a positive contribution in motivating action to control congenital and genetic disorders among Eastern Mediterranean populations. If health authorities are committed, the agenda for action is clear and should include collecting reliable data, identifying national or local priorities, selecting appropriate strategies and interventions, promoting the training of health care professionals, increasing the efficiency of existing services and fostering greater involvement of the community in prevention and care through education.
A. Alwan, MD, FRCP, FFPHM
B. Modell, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCOG 
Community control of genetic and congenital disorders
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