The Ministry of Gender, Child Development and Community Development has ordered all the institutions to immediately assess and recommend for the reintegration of children who were being hosted in the their institutions.

A statement issues by the line Minister, Mary Thom Navicha, said the order has been given with the aim of ensuring the precautionary measure due to COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement has ordered the District Social Welfare Offices to take a leading role in the initiative.

Reads part of the statement: “All childcare institutions (orphanages), in collaboration with the District Social Welfare Officers should immediately asses and recommend for reintegrate of children that may be reintegrate without posing risk for their safety, health, nutrition and general wellbeing.

The Minister further ordered that the children should be provided with mental health and psychosocial support to ensure they positively adapt to the new environment.

To address a challenge of overcrowding in places of detention, the Minister has ordered Principles of reformatory centres to quickly asses and recommend for the release of children who committed minor offences or those that have shown good behavior.

The ministry has also suspended all children gatherings and adult literacy classes with immediate effect.

“My Ministry will continue to monitor implementation of these arrangements and make adjustments where necessary,” concluded the statement.

As of April 11, 2020 the number of confirmed cases of CONVID-19 in Malawi was at 10 with two deaths recorded.