Question NW1792 to the Minister of Social Development

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23 September 2021 - NW1792

Profile picture: Hlengwa, Ms MD

Hlengwa, Ms MD to ask the Minister of Social Development

(1)Whether her Office has conducted a study on the same or similar topic that was covered by a study that was recently published by The Lancet (details furnished); if not, why not; if so, what are the full, relevant details; (2) what plans does her Office have to monitor the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in an increased number of orphanhood and caregiver deaths?

Reply:

1. The Department of Social Development has not conducted any study that is specific to orphan hood and therefore does not have the figures of children orphaned due to COVID-19. The causes of orphan-hood have not been tracked as yet, services are rendered to all children who are made vulnerable by different circumstances including those who are orphaned.

2. The department in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in the children’s sector at the National Child Care and Protection Forum developed an Emergency Response Plan which is intended to ensure coordination and monitoring of services to children including the adverse consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in an increased number of orphanhood and caregiver deaths. The National Child Care and Protection Forum meets on quarterly basis and is a coordinated national structure to monitor implementation of services to children.

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