Government tightens stance on export of DNA samples
DODOMA: THE government is moving to restrict the unauthorised export of human DNA samples, with the Ministry of Health warning that the unchecked flow of genetic data to foreign laboratories poses a direct threat to national security.
Launching the Tanzania DNA Day Summit 2026 in Dodoma recently, the Deputy Minister for Health Dr Florence Samizi issued a stern warning to medical and research professionals bypassing legal protocols.
The government’s move signals a new era of “genomic sovereignty,” treating genetic code not just as medical data, but as a strategic national asset.
“Health is security and genetic data is national security,” Dr Samizi told a delegation of scientists and policymakers at the summit organised by the Government Chemist Laboratory Authority (GCLA).
“We risk compromising national security if we do not develop a clear framework for conducting all genetic analyses within our borders,” she said at the summit which brought together policymakers, scientists, clinicians, innovators, development partners and private sector leaders in the capital.
The crackdown targets a long-standing practice where local research institutions and hospitals send samples abroad for analysis—often due to a lack of specialized local equipment.
However, the government warns that once these samples leave Tanzanian soil, the state loses control over how the resulting data is used, stored, or monetised by foreign entities.
The delegates deliberated on how to advance the implementation of the National DNA and Genomics Roadmap aligned with Tanzania Development Vision 2050 and national priorities.
Dr Samizi said the government is aware that some experts have not been complying with the procedures and provisions of the Human Genetic Data Control Act, particularly in the collection and export of genetic samples for analysis.
“There are still weaknesses in the management of genetic samples. This is the right time for experts, especially through this conference, to deliberate and propose ways the government can build local capacity to ensure that all analyses involving genetic samples are conducted within the country to safeguard Tanzanians’ data,” she said.
She noted that, given the importance of genetic technology, the government has continued to strengthen the GCLA by providing equipment, infrastructure and human resources, including the procurement of machinery for human genetic analysis worth 3.5bn/-.
Elaborating, Dr Samizi said the authority has also been facilitated with reagents for conducting human analysis, with 1.1bn/- allocated annually for purchasing genetic testing reagents, alongside capacity building for experts to keep pace with technological advancements.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer, the Director of Curative Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Hamad Nyembea, said there is a need to reduce reliance on external support and build internal capacity, as genetic technology is also linked to national security.
On his part, Government Chief Chemist, Dr Fidelice Mafumiko, said that for over two decades the GCLA has been using DNA technologies to address various societal challenges and contribute significantly to the economy.
He said awareness of DNA-related issues has increased, noting that between January 2025 and March 2026, a total of 8,956 samples were received and analysed in the country by researchers. He added that the GCLA has also issued permits for the establishment of four laboratories conducting DNA research, including two by Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in Bagamoyo, Coast Region and Ifakara in Morogoro.
Others are owned by Kilimanjaro Clinical Research Institute (KCRI) in Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region and Songea Regional Referral Hospital in Ruvuma Region.
