OUR MISSION EXPLAINED IN 5 STEPS
Our goal is to help find solution based action in the fight against crime.
Through our experienced forensic DNA experts and key opinion leaders, we offer the data and policy information needed to make DNA database strategy decisions in the following ways:
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
SAMPLES TO SOLUTIONS
Samples to Solutions (S2S) is a pioneering initiative between DNAforAfrica, the University of Cape Town (SA) and Panzi Hospital (DRC). The project addresses the need for forensic DNA infrastructures in conflict zones where survivors of conflict related sexual and gender-based violence are often denied justice.
Personal message from Dr Denis Mukwege, Nobel Laureate, President & Medical Director of Panzi Hospital & Foundation
BRINGING JUSTICE CLOSER
"ONE SAMPLE AT A TIME"
"At Panzi Hospital, we have witnessed firsthand the harrowing experiences of survivors who have endured unimaginable trauma at the hands of armed groups and perpetrators of sexual violence.
Every day, we strive to provide comprehensive care and support to these courageous individuals, addressing their physical, psychological, and social needs with unwavering compassion and dedication."
S2S is about empowering survivors,
breaking cycles of impunity, and setting a precedent for scalable forensic DNA solutions in conflict areas across Africa.
MEET THE TEAM
Panzi Hospital: Based in the DRC, it provides one-stop, survivor-centered care- medical, psychosocial, legal, and socio-economic - under the leadership of Dr. Denis Mukwege. PMC
Panzi Hospital leads in survivor engagement and trauma-informed sample collection
University of Cape Town (UCT): Leads the forensic DNA analysis, applying advanced laboratory expertise, probabilistic genotyping, and academic research to generate reliable results.
UCT facilitates laboratory infrastructure and provides technical and academic rigor
DNAforAfrica: is a pan-African initiative that connects forensic networks, shapes DNA policy, and strengthens the use of forensic DNA profiling across the continent.
DNAforAfrica directs overall project design, and project alignment
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
1. To develop protocols and policies to optimise DNA collection and use in conflict related sexual violence (CRSV) cases.
2. To assess if usable DNA profiles can be obtained from intimate swabs collected from victims of CRSV.
3. To ascertain any observable trends or patterns emanating from the DNA results.
CURRENT STATUS & UPDATES
The project design has been completed, research protocols developed (currently under internal review), and consent forms and chain-of-custody documentation finalised. A multidisciplinary team is in place, and to date the project has secured 85% of the required funds through grants and in-kind donations.
What’s Next?
Ethics and state-to-state approvals, followed by forensic nurse training, participant recruitment and sample collection, shipment to UCT, DNA analysis, and finally, stakeholder updates and recommendations.
S2S now needs to raise the remaining $38 000 (approx. R660 000) to bring this project to life. You can help us achieve this by clicking the donate button below and adding your contribution.
Dr. Denis Mukwege
President & Medical Director
Panzi Hospital & Foundation
The future of S2S rests on its ability to scale and adapt
Expansion goals: Equip Panzi Hospital and other institutions in conflict-affected regions with fully operational DNA laboratories and trained personnel
Funding priorities: Laboratory equipment, sustainable operations, protocol development, specialist training, and infrastructure in the DRC
Call to action: Help us move from pilot to platform by donating to S2S HERE
