Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Steven Kampyongo – Home Affairs Minister (Pic by Albert Mpezeni)
Government has disclosed that a total of 135, 208 birth certificates have been issued across the country in 2017 compared to 40, 000 that were issued in 2014.
Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo says the birth registration programme seeks to help protect children from abuses and improve access to social services and education
Mr. Kampyongo says the ministry has received overwhelming support from different stakeholders in ensuring that this programme is a success.
Speaking when he officiated at birth certificates issuance to girls supported under the Girls Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood Project (GEWEL) phase one, Mr. Kampyongo says his ministry has embarked on taking registration services close to the people through collaborative efforts.
He also states that his ministry is also working with the ministry of health in ensuring that birth certificate is now been conducted in 611 health facilities across the country.
And Mr. Kampyongo has directed the registrar general to start conducting mobile birth registration alongside school enrolment.
And speaking at the same event, Gender Minister Elizabeth Phiri has disclosed that about 14, 000 birth certificates will be issued under the phase one of the birth certificates issuance to girls supported under the girls Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihood Project (GEWEL).
Mrs. Phiri says her ministry has committed a total sum of 1 million kwacha for issuance of birth certificates to the girls under the “keeping girls in school project.
She says the project is been done in seven districts namely: Luangwa, Petauke, Lufwanyama, Shiwan’gandu, Mfumbwe, Chavuma and Samfya districts.
Mrs. Phiri birth registration is more than just a right as it is key in recognizing and acknowledge a child’s identity and existence, it is also key to guaranteeing that children are not forgotten, denied their rights or hidden from the progress of the country.