Sudan launches alternative family care for abandoned and orphaned children

July 2, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The Ministry of Social Affairs for Khartoum State and the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) announced on Monday the launch of an alternative family care for abandoned and orphaned children in northern Sudan.

The campaign is aimed at preventing the abandonment of infants, changing public attitudes towards the issue, and increasing “kaffala”, the Islamic system of community care for vulnerable children, according to a statement issued by the UNICEF.

An assessment undertaken by a joint government and UNICEF task force has found that an estimated 100 new born babies were being abandoned on the streets of the capital Khartoum every month.

Half of the abandoned babies were dying on the streets, while the others left with no alternative but institutional care.

These alarming statistics led the Ministry of Social Affairs for Khartoum State, UNICEF and other agencies to develop a pilot program of alternative family care.

Based on the Islamic system of “kaffala” which requires communities and families to support the welfare of vulnerable children, some 500 emergency alternative families have been identified, which are willing to provide temporary care for babies who have been abandoned and would otherwise face childhood in an institution.

Permanent alternative families have also been identified, to provide longer-term care for children who cannot be reunited with their original parents.

The ministry has also agreed to provide health insurance for babies cared for by alternative families.

In order to prevent more abandonment, social workers are now collaborating with midwives, community leaders and families themselves to try and reduce the risk of abandonment of children whose parents are facing difficulties in caring for them.

(Xinhua)