On July 25 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Public Security announced the results of the implementation of the Martyr Gene Bank. After 1 year, the project has collected more than 51,000 DNA samples from relatives, helping to identify 16 unknown martyrs, opening up hope of finding relatives for hundreds of thousands of families nationwide.
The Martyrs Gene Bank, established on July 23, 2024, is a special humanitarian project directed by the Government , chaired by the Ministry of Public Security and implemented by GeneStory - a pioneer enterprise in the field of biotechnology in Vietnam, with the support of ministries, branches and localities across the country.
The project marks a historic turning point in the work of gratitude to ease the pain of hundreds of thousands of families, heal the wounds of war and gather heroic martyrs back to the motherland, while promoting the national digital transformation process according to the Government's Project 06.
Through modern DNA identification technology directly integrated into the National Population Database, the Bank will screen and connect the DNA of relatives with the remains of unknown martyrs, thereby accurately identifying the identities of the martyrs. The entire process is implemented methodically, scientifically and with absolute confidentiality according to international standards.
In particular, all costs related to sample collection, analysis, comparison and return of results are free for the martyrs’ relatives. This cost comes from the enthusiastic and highly appreciated support from businesses across the country through the socialization program.
After 1 year of implementation, the GenBank has received more than 51,000 DNA samples from martyrs' relatives in 34 provinces and cities across the country, reaching 5% of the national target of 1 million samples by 2030.
The Department of Administrative Police for Social Order under the Ministry of Public Security (C06) coordinated with GeneStory and local police to organize more than 600 mobile collection sessions for elderly and immobile relatives of martyrs and organized centralized sample collection in the areas.
The identities of 16 martyrs have been accurately identified. Each name is a human journey, the value of which cannot be measured by numbers, but by memories and hopes that last for generations.
As the core technology unit, GeneStory is responsible for the entire process of DNA acquisition, decoding, analysis and matching. With the capacity to process 500,000 samples per year, GeneStory not only plays a central role in verifying the identities of martyrs, but also supports the National Gene Bank system, laying the foundation for research in precision medicine, pathology, pharmacogenomics and social security policy.
Professor Vu Ha Van, co-founder of GeneStory, shared: "DNA is not only a biological genetic code, but also an invisible thread connecting the past with the present. For those participating in this project, each gene sample is not simply biological data, it is a part of the soul of the nation, a call back from those who have fallen for the country. Advanced technology can help us rename anonymous graves, revive forgotten memories, and close the journeys of anxious waiting for half a century. That is a way that today's scientists can repay the sacrifices of soldiers who sacrificed for the country, with all responsibility and gratitude."
By 2030, the GenBank aims to complete the collection of 1 million DNA samples from relatives, contributing to the identification of tens of thousands of unknown martyrs, while also serving the collection of remains and long-term genetic medical research.
The project is not only a national scientific work but also a symbol of the deep gratitude of the Vietnamese people to the heroes who fell for the peace and independence of the Fatherland./.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/51000-mau-adn-geo-mam-hi-vong-tim-nguoi-than-cho-hang-nghin-gia-dinh-post1051864.vnp
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