BY LORETTA B MANELE

Dr Gregory Jilini, Deputy Secretary, Health Care, for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) has described the recently launched “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” as a roadmap to protect children and strengthen families and vulnerable members of our communities.

He voiced this at the launching program of the plan on Friday, July 25, 2025 at Heritage Park Hotel.

Dr Jilini said the implementation plan is more than a document.

“It reflects what we value as a nation. It is the roadmap for how we work together to protect children, strengthen families, and support the most vulnerable members of our communities,” he said.

Dr Jilini highlighted that the work of protecting children is never simple and never the job of just one ministry, one agency, or one sector.

He said it is rather a shared responsibility rooted in the law through our Child and Family Welfare Act 2017 and brought to life by the people, social workers, health professionals, teachers, police, church leaders, and community champions.

Moreover, Dr Jilini stated that the plan is fully aligned with our National Health Strategic Plan 2022-2031.

“The health system is often the first place where signs of abuse or neglect are seen. That means our doctors, nurses, and midwives have a critical role not only in providing care, but in responding with compassion and urgency,” he said.

Dr Jilini added that the implementation plan also connects closely with the National Education Action Plan 2022-2026.

He stressed that schools must be places of safety, not fear and teachers must be supported to notice when a child is not okay.

“The referral pathway must be clear.

“This plan helps to make that happen. Likewise, the goals of the National Children’s Policy 2023-2030 to ensure all children are safe, supported, and able to reach their full potentials are carried forward here with practical, measurable actions,” said Dr Jilini.

He further noted that at the highest level, this “Child and Family Welfare System-Multi-Sectoral Implementation Plan 2025-2030” supports our country’s National Development Strategy 2016-2035 by promoting strong families, healthier communities, and a more inclusive society.

This plan, an initiative of the Ministry of Health with partner ministry, Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) was made possible with the support of UNICEF and the Australian government.

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