By Michael Gwarisa
Recent data from Global DNA Zimbabwe has unveiled startling findings regarding paternity testing in the country. According to the latest statistics, a staggering 72% of paternity tests conducted have returned negative results, meaning that in most cases, presumed fathers are not biologically related to the children they are raising.
These figures suggest a growing trend of men unknowingly raising children who are not their own, raising critical questions about trust, family dynamics, and the increasing demand for DNA testing services.
In an interview with HealthTimes, Partners Chiriseri from Global DNA Zimbabwe revealed that a significant number of men undergoing DNA tests discover they are not the biological fathers of their children.
The current statistics for people who have undergone testing are both shocking and interesting. Most clients come for paternity tests, and currently, 72% of the results issued are negative, while only 28% are positive,” said Chiriseri.
He explained that paternity tests produce only two possible results—either 0% or 99.99% certainty. There are no intermediate percentages, as partial probabilities only apply to relationship tests.
“Most people do DNA tests to confirm the paternity of their alleged children. This usually stems from suspicions of infidelity, particularly on the part of women, leading the alleged fathers to seek confirmation. These tests provide peace of mind to those involved.”
However, he emphasized that DNA tests are not only used to determine paternity but also serve other purposes, including career development and migration.
“DNA tests can be conducted for immigration purposes, especially for individuals applying for visas to countries like the UK and the United States. Parents may need to prove their biological relationship with their children before relocating,” he said.
He added that DNA profiling is becoming increasingly popular, allowing individuals to have their genetic information stored for future use.
“DNA samples can be banked for future identification purposes, such as in cases where human remains are unrecognizable after an accident. The stored profile can then be compared to recovered DNA samples for identification,” he explained.
On a broader scale, DNA testing is crucial in legal cases.
“For example, in rape cases, DNA testing can help identify suspects if semen or other biological evidence is collected from victims. By comparing the DNA profile of a suspect to the collected sample, authorities can confirm or rule out their involvement,” Chiriseri added.
Some countries, such as the United States, have already established national DNA databases for convicts. If adopted in Zimbabwe, such a system could assist in criminal investigations, suspect identification, and law enforcement efforts.
Types of DNA Tests Conducted at Global DNA Zimbabwe
Global DNA Zimbabwe offers various types of DNA tests, including:
1. Paternity DNA Testing
• Determines whether an alleged father is the biological father of a child.
• It is recommended that the alleged father, mother, and child participate in the test.
2. Maternity DNA Testing
• Although rare, this test confirms whether a woman is the biological mother of a child.
• It is often required for visa processing and in cases of suspected baby swapping in hospitals.
3. Pre-Natal DNA Testing
• Determines paternity before birth when the mother is at least eight weeks pregnant.
• The test analyzes fetal DNA in the mother’s blood and compares it to the alleged father’s DNA.
4. Relationship DNA Testing
• Used when direct paternity or maternity testing is not possible.
• Includes:
o Grandparent Test: Confirms if a child is related to the alleged grandparents when parents are unavailable.
o Siblingship Test: Determines if two individuals share the same father.
o Avuncular Test: Compares DNA between an individual and the alleged uncle or aunt of the suspected father. Requires at least two known relatives for more accuracy.
o Y-Chromosome Test: Conducted on males only to confirm shared ancestry between relatives.
5. Legal DNA Testing
• Follows a strict chain of custody to ensure results are admissible in court.
• Used in:
o Child custody cases
o Birth certificate amendments
o Inheritance disputes
o Immigration applications
6. Animal DNA Testing
• Conducted to confirm paternity in animals, create genetic profiles, and maintain DNA banks, especially for pure breeds.
Global DNA Zimbabwe: A Leading DNA Testing Provider
Global DNA Zimbabwe has been operational since 2016, providing comprehensive DNA testing services across the country and the region. The company operates over 49 sample collection centers in partnership with private hospitals, pharmacies, and health service providers.
Samples are primarily collected through cheek swabs or blood samples, but alternative methods include hair follicles, fingernails, earwax, and used toothbrushes. These samples usually contain enough DNA for testing.
DNA testing remains the only reliable method to confirm a child’s paternity. It is highly recommended in cases of doubt, as DNA results are conclusive, traceable, and remain the same regardless of the service provider.
