Health Secretary Wes Streeting has publicly thrown his weight behind a campaign led by former Little Mix star Jesy Nelson, calling for urgent improvements to the way a severe genetic condition is detected in newborn babies.
An Emotional Appeal for Change
In an emotional update on Tuesday 06 January 2026, Jesy Nelson revealed that her twin daughters have been diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA1), the most severe form of the rare and life-limiting condition. The singer highlighted a critical disparity in UK healthcare, pointing out that while other nations routinely use a simple heel prick test at birth to identify SMA1, this screening is not standard in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Nelson argued that early detection through this test is vital, as it allows for immediate intervention with new treatments that can dramatically alter a child's long-term prognosis. Her powerful advocacy has now reached the highest levels of government.
Government Pledges a Review
Responding directly to Nelson's call, Health Secretary Wes Streeting commended her for challenging the current system. He stated that she was "right to challenge" the existing process and made a significant pledge to his department.
Mr Streeting confirmed that the NHS will review screening for spinal muscular atrophy and will also examine the broader role of genomic medicine within the health service. This move signals a potential major shift in policy, aligning England with Scotland, which is already set to introduce routine newborn screening for SMA.
The Road Ahead for SMA Diagnosis
The campaign for universal SMA screening in the UK has been long-running, championed by charities such as Muscular Dystrophy UK. Despite the availability of groundbreaking treatments, the lack of a nationwide screening programme means many infants are diagnosed only after symptoms appear, potentially missing the window for the most effective treatment.
Jesy Nelson's use of her platform has brought unprecedented public and political attention to this issue. The government's commitment to a review, spurred by her family's experience, offers new hope for future newborns and represents a significant step towards closing a critical gap in the UK's newborn screening programme.
