Empowering health social workers to safeguard thousands of children at risk

Every child deserves to feel safe, especially when they are at their most vulnerable. To ensure that medical settings serve as a strong shield for children at risk, UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME), organized a specialized event to strengthen integrated child protection services.

Supported by the European Union, the event brought together directors, nurses, and social workers from 22 pediatric hospitals, alongside experts from the State Welfare Organization.

Why this matters for children

Hospitals are often one of the first points of contact for children facing protection risks. Data shows the vital role of trained professionals: in just six months during 2025, approximately 4,590 children at risk were identified in hospitals. Remarkably, over 70 per cent of these cases were spotted by trained social workers, proving that a proactive approach saves lives.

From care to action

The highlight of this initiative was the first step toward activating Child Protection Committees within hospitals. These committees serve as dedicated teams of experts – physicians, nurses,  social workers, and legal experts – who work together to manage complex cases exposed to protection risks. This ensures that no child "falls through the cracks" and that every vulnerable boy and girl receives a comprehensive care and referral to the support services they need.

Building a protective future

Since 2023, UNICEF and MoHME have been working hand-in-hand to empower social workers through specialized training and protocols. By moving beyond just physical treatment to holistic protection, we are creating a world where hospitals are not just places of healing, but sanctuaries of safety.

Looking ahead, UNICEF will continue to launch innovative activities to maintain this momentum, ensuring that the protection of every child remains at the heart of the healthcare system.