With reports indicating that about 80 percent of men who undergo DNA testing are found not to be the biological fathers of the children in Malawi, mental health experts have raised alarm over the lasting emotional and social damage paternity disputes could inflict on children. CLARA BOTOMANI of Malawi News Agency writes.
Mental health experts and child rights activists have raised alarm over the lasting emotional and social damage paternity disputes could inflict on children.
The warning follows reports that about 80 percent of men who undergo DNA testing are found not to be the biological fathers of the children they have been raising.
Revelations, which have become increasingly common as more men seek DNA tests amid suspicions of infidelity, are raising important questions about parental responsibility, child welfare and the psychological toll on families.
Mental health expert Dr. Precious Makiyi said the impact of such revelations on children depends on their age, understanding of DNA testing and the relationship they have with the man they have known as their father.
“Children might even feel guilt, as if they are the ones who may have contributed and they might also lose respect towards the parents especially the mother," Makiyi said.
DR PRECIOUS MAKIYI -Children might even feel guilty of contributing to collapse of marriages
He said families dealing with paternity disputes should seek professional counselling to shield children from the emotional fallout.
“The best way for parents is to disclose to the children when they, themselves, have stabilised their emotions. But also usually this is something that should be done in the presence of a professional counselor so that whatever the case, a relationship can still be there between the father and the children,” Makiyi said.
Child rights activist Memory Chisenga said the sudden withdrawal of a father figure can have devastating effects on a child’s sense of identity and security.
“And all of a sudden that father changes to say, I can no longer be responsible for this child, I can no longer connect to this child as their father because I am not biologically their father.
“That disconnection affects the child because that child has so many questions; because already the connection has already been built that this is my parent, this is my father,” Chisenga said.
CHISENGA - Let the interests of children remain central when dealing with paternity disputes
Chisenga further warned that financial abandonment following a negative DNA result could deprive children of education, healthcare and other basic needs.
“So you find that most of them will actually stop at that very moment. They will not pay school fees anymore, they will not provide any support anymore because of the DNA result that proves otherwise. And that affects children,” she said.
She urged parents to handle paternity disputes amicably and ensure children are not exposed to conflicts between adults.
Chisenga also noted that Malawi has laws that provide for the protection of children and parental responsibility, stressing that the interests of children should remain central when dealing with paternity disputes.
Makiyi recommended counselling both before and after DNA testing to help families manage the emotional consequences of the results.