Lack of coordination hampering child protection efforts

Jesuits Center for Ecology and Development (JCED) says lack of coordination and seriousness in responding to child abuse cases is a deterrent to curbing the vice said to be widespread in Kasungu District.

The organization’s Project Officer, Tione Mathews Phwandaphwanda, said this on Saturday in Kasungu during an engagement with various stakeholders in child protection aimed at strengthening reporting systems as well as facilitating discussion on challenges that haunt efforts in child protection.

Phwandaphwanda said his organization is not satisfied with the pace at which the district is moving with regard to child protection hence the need for coordination among stakeholders to bridge the gap.

“There are serious gaps in child protection, one of which being lack of coordination amongst stakeholders.

“Again, there is lack of seriousness in pushing and responding to issues pertaining child protection. It’s a serious challenge in the district,” he said.

Kasungu District Social Welfare Officer, Ephraim Njikho, commended JCED for complementing government’s efforts in promoting and protecting child rights.

He said besides poverty, child neglect is among the major factors fueling child abuse in the district.

“The increase in cases of street connected children in the district points to serious issues of child neglect which stakeholders must look at,” he said.

Child Protection Officer for Central East Police Region, Anussa Masina, urged the participants to help raise awareness on the need for timely reporting of child abuse related cases for successful investigation and prosecution.

Among the stakeholders who attended the training were representatives from Social Welfare Office, police, civil society organisations, mother groups and teachers.

Kasungu has recently reported increased cases of child abuse such as defilement, neglect and child marriages.