The two days Social Protection Joint Annual Review (JAR) Conference for the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has officially closed in Lusaka, with government determined to enhance social protection programmes in the country.

Director of Policy, Planning and Information in the Ministry, Mr. Patrick Choolwe who officially closed the conference reiterated that government places high premium on ending poverty and vulnerability, as evidenced by the increase in the 2023 budgetary allocation to the sector.

He said the two days conference was an opportune time to engage on issues that require more interventions to enhace social protection in the country.

He said the Ministry will continue to harmonize various guidelines in the social protection sector in order to improve implementation, while ensuring that sensitization of all programmes is enhanced, for easier understanding and appreciation by all stakeholders.

“It is therefore important that we run with these important programmes” Mr. Choolwe implored, with a call for collective commitment in promoting quality service delivery.

He has appreciated the honest and open submission from various stakeholders regarding areas that require further action in order to increase uptake of social protection programmes.

Mr. Choolwe further called for open dialogue on matters of social protection among stakeholders in order to find best solutions to effectively deal with loopholes that hamper the effective implementation of social protection programmes.

He thanked Cooperating Partners and stakeholders for the continued support to the Ministry and government in delivering on its mandate of uplifting the welfare of the vulnerable in society