DNAforAfrica is dedicated to the use of advocacy outreach and forensic expertise to aid the development of DNA databases and casework programs throughout Africa. We have convened high level scientific workshops for forensic practitioners, as well as hosted two forensic DNA symposiums in South Africa and Kenya over the course of the last year. These DNA events provide a platform for key forensic specialists and change advocates to interact and present innovative solutions to the unique challenges faced by many countries in Africa in the fight against sexual violence and crime. It has also afforded the forensic community in Africa an opportunity to learn more about the role and potential of DNA in a criminal justice system.

Our goal is to help find solution-based action in the fight against crime in Africa. We do this by adopting a holistic approach, which we call #CATCH

#CAMPAIGN: We support campaigns which advocate for the inception of DNA policies and laws

#ACQUAINT: We help educate administrations and the public on why forensic DNA is important and how it aids to both deter and detect offenders.

#TRACK: We track the establishment and growth of DNA Databases and forensic DNA labs throughout Africa, as well as monitor the reduction of DNA Backlogs.

#CAPACITATE: We help to ensure that the appropriate DNA capacity is in place to support the implementation of DNA policies and laws.

#HIGHLIGHT: We identify and highlight obstacles such as DNA backlogs, lagging DNA policies and limited DNA capacity, offering solutions to redress these roadblocks to help combat crime.

Along this journey I have been honoured to have had the opportunity to engage with and learn from so many passionate and dedicated change makers, many of whose career’s span over 35 years, and I am grateful to them for contributing their expertise and insights to this cause. DNAforAfrica is a story of mentorship, collaboration, dedication and hope which I attribute to our army of “DNA Crusaders” who are as passionate about change as we are. In bringing together a multitude of international and local forensic experts and activists, all of whom share a passion for forensic science and crime resolution, we are able to explore an integrated approach to resolving crime through best practices and lessons learned.

These organizations adopt a survivor-centred approach to crime resolution, and I have found that collaborating with these agencies helps promote adherence to humanitarian principles and the rights of affected victims and communities. This is particularly relevant when addressing those in the justice and medicolegal sectors, where vulnerable and distressed victims deserve the highest levels of professionalism and scientific rigor without compromising on empathy, respect, and dignity. It has taught me that to comprehensively combat sexual violence, it is necessary to address both the well-being of survivors and the crimes of the perpetrators.

Further, encouraging countries to engage with each other and share in each other’s knowledge, policies and expertise is key. We do not have to re-invent the wheel as we are best placed - as part of the greater Africa community - to understand what is required in low resourced environments. I always say to my colleagues and change advocates working in Africa that together, we are DNAforAfrica!

With the high level of expertise I have found in Africa amongst forensic scientists and practitioners, coupled with their commitment and dedication to their work, I have also seen that they are severely limited in having access to the tools required to fully develop their DNA programs. This all comes down to funding and we are exploring ways in which to help countries in Africa access global funding programs which are dedicated to the prevention and resolution of crimes against humanity, including sexual violence and trafficking in persons through the better utilisation of forensic DNA programs.

Vanessa with human trafficking advocate, Malaika Oringo, from Footprint to Freedom

We have started developing a ‘DNA toolkit’ for African countries looking to advance their DNA database and infrastructures as well as enact DNA policies and laws to support these efforts. It is our vision that in the next 2-5 years, we will have made a significant impact in Africa where we will see administrations adopting DNA laws, funding their own DNA programs, and ultimately preventing tomorrow’s victims.

This year we are moving to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, where we are partnering with the UNODC, SADC and Interpol for a weeklong series of in person workshops, discussions and presentations on how best to implement DNA programs in 16 Africa countries. We then move to Ghana in the last quarter of 2022 where we are collaborating with Prof. Budowle who will be leading an in person high level scientific workshop for the West Africa scientific community. Next year we are planning a fantastic event with the ICRC and the African Union Commission in Cape Town, so watch this space!

Vanessa with forensic scientist Dr. Bruce Budowle