ANDE's Rapid DNA System Supports Legal Medical Services (SML) Efforts in Identifying Victims of the Valparaíso Fires
Left to right - Dr. Marisol Prado (National Director of Servicio Medico Legal), Minister Javier Gajardo (Minister of Justice and Human Rights), Edward Dolan (ANDE SVP Defense / IC / National Governments), Alex Mateo (ANDE SVP of Reunification)
Hello everyone, Alex Mateo here, from ANDE.
I am pleased to share some significant news with you today. Our company has played a crucial role in assisting the Legal Medical Service (SML) in their efforts to identify the victims of the devastating fires that swept through the Valparaíso Region in Chile. I am proud to announce that our state-of-the-art Rapid DNA System has been instrumental in delivering closure to the affected families. Allow me to provide you with an update on this collaboration.
Valparaíso, Chile
The tragedy that unfolded four weeks ago in Valparaíso, Villa Aleman, and Vina del Mar deeply impacted the lives of many, resulting in a total of 132 fatalities. In the face of such devastation, the SML has been working tirelessly to identify the victims and provide solace to their families. As part of this process, the SML has received reinforcements in the form of three ANDE Rapid DNA instruments, which have already proven their effectiveness during the 2023 fires in Maui, Hawaii.
ANDE's Rapid DNA System has enabled the SML to deliver 80 bodies to their respective families, providing closure during this heart-wrenching situation. Our cutting-edge technology allows for DNA identification to be completed in less than two hours, significantly expediting the process, and providing timely answers to the families affected by this tragedy.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the SML for their tireless efforts and their trust in our technology. Dr. Marisol Prado, the National Director of the SML, has been instrumental in ensuring that our collaboration has been smooth and effective. I am humbled by the dedication exhibited by the SML's Forensic Genetics team, who have risen to the challenges posed by this catastrophe and achieved remarkable progress in record time.
Left to right - Dr. Marisol Prado (National Director of Servicio Medico Legal), Alex Mateo (ANDE SVP of Reunification), Minister Javier Gajardo (Minister of Justice and Human Rights), Ambassador Meehan (United States Ambassador to Chile)
The recent delivery of our Rapid DNA instruments to the SML headquarters in Santiago was a momentous occasion. I had the privilege of being present alongside Jaime Gajardo, the Minister of Justice and Human Rights, and Bernadette M. Meehan, the US Ambassador in Chile. The event marked the formal handover of our instruments, which will serve as invaluable tools in the ongoing identification process.
At ANDE, we firmly believe in the power of innovation to make a difference in times of crisis. The collaboration between ANDE, the US Embassy in Chile, and the SML is a testament to the strength of partnership and our relentless pursuit of providing support to those in need.
As we continue to navigate the aftermath of the Valparaíso fires, our thoughts are with the affected families who have lost loved ones. We remain committed to supporting the SML and the Government of Chile in their ongoing efforts and stand ready to assist in any way we can. Together, we can overcome challenges and bring closure to those affected by tragic events.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in ANDE. We will keep you updated on our collaborative efforts in other regions of the world to make a positive impact in the face of adversity.
Sincerely,
Alex Mateo
Senior Vice President of Reunification
ANDE
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