Ethiopia Opens Forensic Center to Provide DNA Testing Service

Addis Ababa August 072018 Ethiopia has started a national forensic pathology center that would allow it provide DNA testing service locally. The national forensic pathology center established by the Millennium Medical College of the St. Paul Hospital in Addis Ababa became the first center to provide DNA testing service. Deputy medical provost at the hospital, Dr Birhane Redae told ENA that the center would have a special advantage to the country as it provides all types of forensic services. Since autopsy was the only service provided in the country previously, the country was forced to send samples abroad for forensic diagnosis. However, the newly opened center will change this fact as it has the capacity to provide all the services, Dr Berhane said. Balkachew Nigatu, academic and research provost at the hospital said training has been provided to local pathologists since 2016 to ease shortage of professionals. Memorandums of Understanding have signed with different countries in order for to enable the trainees share experiences with specialists in the area, he said. Ethiopia began forensic service 50 years ago at Minilik hospital. Recently, Abet Hospital in Addis Ababa and Aider Hospital in Tigray region, Northern part started providing the service.