Amanze Chinonye
About 80% of men in Malawi who seek DNA paternity tests after suspecting their partners of infidelity are found not to be the biological fathers of the children tested, according to figures reported by local media.
The findings, reported by The Nation and corroborated by Nyasa Times, relate specifically to men who request paternity tests because of doubts over their children’s biological parentage.
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Kingdom Kwapata, a genetics scientist at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), said he handles more than 30 paternity cases a month, or nearly 400 a year.
Kwapata said about 80% of paternity cases linked to suspected infidelity are initiated by men and that roughly 80% of those tests show that the men are not the biological fathers.
He said suspicions often arise after men discover messages or other evidence on mobile phones and social media platforms.
A private DNA-testing provider reported a similar pattern.
Phillip Mwanza, chief executive of Attestation Background Checks and DNA Limited Malawi, which operates clinics in Lilongwe and Blantyre, said the company receives about 20 clients a month and has recorded a non-paternity rate of about 80% among men seeking tests because of suspected infidelity.
The results are markedly different in child-maintenance cases.
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Kwapata said about 90% of men who undergo DNA testing in disputes involving child maintenance are ultimately confirmed as the biological fathers.
Demand for testing is linked to a range of family and legal disputes, including questions over paternity, divorce, child maintenance and inheritance.
Mwanza also said his company was working with police to provide free DNA testing for survivors of rape and sexual assault, with the results intended to support criminal investigations.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
