Malawi starts issuing birth certificates
Director of National Registration Bureau (NRB), Peter Chitedze , has said distribution of birth certificates has begun in all hospitals of the country.
The compulsory birth certificates were introduced by government in an attempt to combat a growing child trafficking problem.
Chitedze said every newly born baby in hospitals is required to be recorded to ensure that they have bonafide birth report.
“Our aim is to make sure that every Malawian is registered with us so that they are known. I am happy that Parents have been forthcoming to have their newly born babies registered,” Chitedze is quoted by the official Malawi News Agency (Mana).
Malawian citizens have not been required to have birth or death certificates before.
Chitedze said Section 18 of the Constitution of Malawi states that every person has the right to personal liberty and urges parents never to have restrictions in giving birth report for the child, saying they will offer children some degree of protection.
“A birth report is there to make sure that the dignity of persons shall be inviolable. I urge nurses and doctors to supervise through us,” Chitedze said.
Government of Malawi established the National Registration Bureau in 2003 using the Public Service Act.
Phase one of the National Registration and Identification System was launched on 27 August, 2007 through the introduction of Hardcopy Village Register (HVRs)
So far, Phase one of the NRIS has been implemented in all the 28 districts in Malawi. The objectives are to enhance the management of subsidy and targeted programmes in all sectors of Government like Agriculture and Education.
