Authorities in Chunya District are stepping up efforts to promote shared parental responsibility, with a renewed focus on encouraging fathers to take a more active role in childcare, maternal health and early childhood development.
The initiative is being implemented through the National Integrated Programme for Early Childhood Development (NIP-ECD), which seeks to improve children's wellbeing by addressing nutrition, healthcare, protection, safety and other aspects of their development.
Social Welfare Officer Luthness Mbisa said community education remained essential in helping families understand that raising children was a shared responsibility involving both parents and the wider community.
She urged government departments and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in reaching more households with information on proper childcare practices.
"Childcare is not the responsibility of mothers alone. Fathers and the entire community must also take responsibility for ensuring children receive proper care and support," she emphasised.
Ms Mbisa was speaking on November 2, 2026, during a meeting at Chunya District Hospital to review implementation reports for the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, covering July to September.
The meeting heard that public education on early childhood development was continuing through health facilities, community platforms, sports events and various community groups.
Presenting implementation reports, Christina Jahari, Issa Mbande and Jamila Kimaro said the activities were intended to increase public understanding of the different needs of children during their formative years.
A key resolution of the meeting was to intensify campaigns targeting men, particularly fathers, to encourage their participation in maternal and child health services.
Under the initiative, men are being encouraged to accompany their pregnant partners to health facilities to receive health education and undergo medical examinations during pregnancy.
The approach is intended to increase men's understanding of maternal health, promote informed family decisions and improve the safety of both mothers and unborn children.
The programme also uses community gatherings and sports activities to reach a wider audience, recognising that effective early childhood development requires involvement beyond health facilities.
The National Integrated Programme for Early Childhood Development brings together several government departments, including Health, Community Development, and Pre-primary and Primary Education.
Through this coordinated approach, the programme seeks to ensure children receive essential services and support during their early years, laying a foundation for healthy growth and development.