Government through the Ministry of Gender has said it is intending to revise the 2010 Child Care Protection Act as a way of addressing challenges that children are facing the country.

The country has experienced increased cases of early marriages, use of drugs and early pregnancies.

Authorities in Mangochi have also disclosed that over 7, 000 girls are pregnant in the district alone.

Minister responsible for gender Honourable Patricia Kaliati, has challenged parents to take a leading role in protecting children more especially now since the schools are closed due to covid-19 pandemic.

Kaliati has since indicated that they will revise Child Protection Act so that parents who may not be able to protect their children should be arrested.

She has also revealed that social welfare officials have been ordered to assess the pregnancy cases in Mangochi and other affected districts.

Meanwhile, Phoebe Kasoga, Country Director of Plan International Malawi has reaffirmed her organization’s interest to fight for rights of children in the country.