Child abandonment cases worry Lilongwe social welfare officer

Lilongwe District Social Welfare Officer Derick Mwenda said the number of babies who are being dumped by their alleged parents in the district is worrisome.

According to Mwenda, in the month of November and December this year, at least 12 babies have been rescued in different places including waste bins, wells and hospital premises.

“A latest incident happened at Kauma where a one-day-old baby was rescued after being dumped in a waste bin. It was wrapped in a plastic bag. This baby was taken to Bwaila Hospital and has now recovered. We are taking the baby to a child care institution, said Mwenda.

“Another case took place at Likuni where a mother [allegedly] threw a baby down a well. This is also a one-day-old baby who sustained multiple injuries and has been in hospital for six weeks. Another one was dumped right at the gate of Kawale Health Centre,” explained Mwenda.

Mwenda said based on Interviews with some suspects of baby dumping, such cases are on the rise partly because of economic hardships.