Govt concerned with increased number of children in need of special care

Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, Social Welfare Officer in the Department of Social Welfare Sandra Mhango has expressed concern that the number of children in need of special care in the country has continued to increase.

Speaking during the Alternative Care Campaign in Lusaka, Mrs. Mhango says according to Central Statistical Office, there are over 1.2 million orphans and vulnerable children and over 8000 child headed households.

Mrs. Mhango has stated that the theme of the campaign which is “no child should grow up alone” resonates well with government policy on care of the children in the country.

Speaking at the same event SOS Children’s Villages Zambia Acting National Director Rebecca Chipoya has added that programmes under the family strengthening programme whose aim is to ensure the children are not abandoned by their parents will continue running.

She says her organization is committed to ensuring that no child is left to grow up alone.

And families and Nations President Judy Mwila has encouraged Zambians to open up their homes for children because the family is the most important place where children should grow from.