Ministry of Public Health Inaugurates First-Ever Forensic DNA Testing Laboratory in Afghanistan

A formal ceremony was held to mark the occasion, attended by the Minister of Public Health, H.E. Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali; Deputy Minister for Health Services, Mawlawi Abdul Wali Haqqani; Chief of Staff of MoPH, Sheikh Mohammad Tahir Haleem; several central directors; representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations; and media personnel.

Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, expressed his satisfaction over the inauguration of the DNA laboratory, describing it as a significant achievement in the field of forensic medicine. He noted that a special committee had been appointed to expedite the activation process of this department. Emphasizing the lab’s importance within the health system, the Minister stated that continued attention and support would be provided to ensure its sustainability. He further revealed that, to strengthen the capacity of this department, six specialists had received training over the past month by expert trainers from Jordan, enhancing the capabilities of the newly established unit. “The most vital element in this work is our commitment and sincerity in serving the people, which must guide us in fulfilling our responsibilities,” the Minister remarked.

Deputy Minister Mawlawi Abdul Wali Haqqani reiterated the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to improve the overall quality of healthcare services. He emphasized the need to equip various departments with advanced technology and noted that work is actively underway to expand and enhance service delivery across the sector.

Sheikh Mohammad Tahir Haleem, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Public Health, commended the leadership for their continued dedication and strategic efforts in expanding health services nationwide. He described the inauguration of the DNA laboratory as a direct result of these sustained endeavours.

Forensic Medicine Director, Mawlawi Najibullah Farooqi, also spoke at the event, announcing that, for the first time in the country, official DNA testing and diagnostic services have commenced. He shared that approximately 40 million Afghanis were invested in establishing the department, equipping the facility, and launching these essential services.