Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services , in partnership with UNICEF and cooperating partners, has launched the “Mwana ni Munthu” campaign and the Social Behaviour Change Plan for Child Protection aimed at strengthening child protection systems and ending violence against children.

Speaking during the launch, Minister of Community Development and Social Services Ms. Doreen Mwamba reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening child protection systems and promoting family and community-based care for children.

The Minister desribed the launch as a significant milestone in Zambia’s efforts to ensure children grow up in safe, stable and nurturing family environments.

She said Government remains committed to prioritising family preservation, family strengthening and community-based care approaches while reducing unnecessary reliance on institutional care.

The Minister noted that evidence continues to show that children thrive best within supportive family and community environments where they receive protection, guidance and emotional support.

Ms Mwamba stated that the Mwana ni Munthu Campaign and the newly launched frameworks seeks to address harmful social norms, promote positive parenting and strengthen child protection through community engagement and strategic communication platforms.

The newly launched frameworks include, The National Care Reform Strategy, Intensive Family Support Guidelines, ⁠Revised Alternative Care and Reintegration Guidelines and the ⁠Revised Minimum Standards for Child Care Facilities.

The Minister therefore said the frameworks provide a coordinated approach to preventing family separation, strengthening vulnerable families, improving alternative care systems and protecting children from violence, neglect, abuse and exploitation.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility, and collective action is essential to achieving lasting and meaningful outcomes for children,” she said.

Speaking during the launch, UNICEF Country Representative Tinkhani Msonda described the initiative as a major step towards ensuring children grow up in safe and nurturing environments.

He commended Government for aligning the reforms with the Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UN Guidelines for the Alternative Care of Children.

Meanwhile, the House of Chiefs in a speech read by Chief Chamuka, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Government efforts aimed at protecting children and strengthening family and community-based care systems.