Deputy Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Hon. Mercy Dinha has called on African governments and child protection stakeholders to strengthen regional cooperation in order to protect vulnerable children across the continent.
Hon. Dinha made the remarks while representing Zimbabwe at the Regional Conference on Family Based Care and Placement held in Zambia recently.
Addressing delegates at the conference, the Deputy Minister stressed the importance of ensuring that every child grows up in a safe, loving and protective family environment.
She said institutional care should only be used as a last resort and for the shortest possible time.
“Together, let us strengthen regional cooperation as we invest in resilient child protection systems and continue sharing knowledge and experiences so that no child in Africa is left behind,” said Hon. Dinha.
The Deputy Minister commended the Government of Zimbabwe and its development partners for promoting family-based care and strengthening child protection systems aimed at improving the welfare of vulnerable children.
Hon. Dinha also highlighted Zimbabwe’s ongoing efforts to reform child welfare systems in line with the African Union 2023 Continental Study on Children Without Parental Care in Africa. She said the country is prioritising family and community-based care as part of broader child welfare reforms.
She further noted that digital innovation is playing an important role in strengthening child protection systems through improved case management, accountability and information sharing.
The conference brought together child welfare stakeholders from across Africa to discuss strategies aimed at improving child protection systems and ensuring better care for vulnerable children throughout the continent.
