Forensic Pathology Research Priorities for Zambia: Strengthening Justice and Public Health through Evidence-Based Practice
Forensic Pathology Research Priorities for Zambia: Strengthening Justice and Public Health through Evidence-Based Practice
*Kachinda Wezi1,6,7,10,11, Zulu Mbawe5, Arthur Chisanga7,8,9, Musimuko Ellison12,13,14, Tembo Frenshus1,6, Hasting Zulu11, Kelvin Adutwum-Ofosu4, Nnoli Anazodo Martin3, Munsaka Mweetwa Sody2
1University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of microbiology and pathology, Lusaka, ZAMBIA.
2University of Zambia, School of Health Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Lusaka, ZAMBIA.
3University of Calabar, Faculty of Basic clinical sciences, Department of pathology, Cross River State, NIGERIA.
4University of Ghana, School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Accra, GHANA.
5University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Lusaka, ZAMBIA.
6Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka Province, ZAMBIA.
7Center for Research and Development, Lusaka province, ZAMBIA.
8Zambia Open University, Lusaka province, ZAMBIA.
9University of Kabwe, Central province, ZAMBIA.
10Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka province, ZAMBIA.
11Department of Veterinary Services, Central Veterinary Research Institute, Lusaka, ZAMBIA
12University of Adelaide, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, AUSTRALIA.
13Natural Resources Development College, Lusaka, ZAMBIA.
14National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research, Lusaka, ZAMBIA
Publication Information
Journal Title: International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI)
Author(s):Wezi,*Kachinda ,Mbawe, Zulu ,Chisanga, Arthur ,Ellison, Musimuko, Frenshus,Tembo ,Zulu, Hasting , Adutwum-Ofosu,Kelvin ,Martin, Nnoli Anazodo , Sody, Munsaka Mweetwa
Published On: 07/04/2025
Volume: 12
Issue: 15
First Page: 655
Last Page: 666
ISSN: 2321-2705
Cite this Article *Kachinda Wezi, Zulu Mbawe, Arthur Chisanga, Musimuko Ellison, Tembo Frenshus, Hasting Zulu, Kelvin Adutwum-Ofosu, Nnoli Anazodo Martin, Munsaka Mweetwa Sody; Forensic Pathology Research Priorities for Zambia: Strengthening Justice and Public Health through Evidence-Based Practice, Volume 12 Issue 15, International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI), 655-666, Published on 07/04/2025, Available at https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijrsi/articles/forensic-pathology-research-priorities-for-zambia-strengthening-justice-and-public-health-through-evidence-based-practice/
Abstract
Forensic pathology plays a critical role in Zambia’s criminal justice system and public health infrastructure, yet the field faces significant challenges, including resource constraints, workforce shortages, and gaps in standardized protocols. This report identifies and prioritizes key research areas to advance forensic pathology in Zambia, leveraging current institutional frameworks, global advancements, and the potential of molecular techniques. Through an analysis of Zambia’s forensic landscape—including the roles of the National Forensic Authority (NFA), the Office of the State Forensic Pathologist (OSFP), and the National Forensic Science and Biometrics Department (NFSB)—we highlight systemic challenges such as limited pathologist availability, logistical barriers, and the impact of infectious diseases like COVID-19 on forensic services (Mucheleng’anga & Himwaze, 2020; Shumba et al., 2023).
Keywords: Forensic Pathology, Zambia, Molecular Autopsy, Cause of Death, DNA Analysis, Public Health, Justice System
