Namibia sees over 40% decline in children receiving street support over the past decade

The Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare attributes this decline to improved reintegration efforts into families, schools, and communities. The report, launched on July 22 in Windhoek, shows that 6,543 children were assisted through the program between 2014 and 2023, with 1,792 interventions leading to family reintegration. The number of children covered by the program dropped from 857 in 2014 to 485 in 2023, despite some fluctuations.

Ohangwena region recorded the highest number of assisted children with 797 cases, followed by Oshikoto 753 and Hardap 751. Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Emma Kantema emphasized the need to understand where children are most at risk and the services they access. Ministry spokesperson Lukas Haufiku stated that the decline reflects progress in reintegration and the ministry's efforts to identify vulnerable children early, provide psychosocial support, and facilitate their return to family and community life.

He also noted that the ministry assists every child in need of care and protection, regardless of nationality, and implements various interventions in partnership with other organizations.