UNICEF Zambia Hands Over ICT Equipment to Child Helpline Call Center

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
30 July 2025 

 
LUSAKA, Zambia, 30 July 2025 --- UNICEF Zambia through its continued support to the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), including its stakeholders, and as part of efforts to strengthen capacity in providing quality and accessible services for children, has procured ICT equipment for the Child Helpline Call Center. The support of equipment which is expected to improve the functionality of the Child Helpline/Lifeline Call Centre includes the following: -

• 6 – Desktop Computers
• 6 – Monitors
• 3 – Uninterrupted Power Supplies (UPS) 

The ICT equipment will boost the Child Helpline Call Center’s capacity in delivering timely child protection services through its national helpline and counseling platforms. 
 
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the UNICEF Representative to Zambia emphasized the importance of timely, accessible support for children in crisis. 
 
“We recognize the vital role that Childline/Lifeline Zambia plays in protecting children from violence, abuse and neglect. By providing this equipment, we hope to ensure that every call for help is answered, logged-in and every child receives the care and protection they deserve,” said Dr. Nejmudin Kedir Bilal.

UNICEF Zambia is proud to be among the founding partners of the Child Helpline, established in 2003, which has since evolved into a trusted national support service for children across the country. As child protection is a shared responsibility, UNICEF acknowledges the critical role of its partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ), Save the Children, Plan International and the Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA).

Significant support has also been provided by telecommunications service providers - Airtel, MTN, Zamtel and most recently, ZED Mobile - whose collaboration has been key to ensuring accessibility of services. The Child Helpline now operates with a dedicated workforce of 58 staff, including 35 trained counsellors, who provide essential frontline support to children and families in need across Zambia.

The Child Helpline Zambia’s Executive Director, Ms. Florence Chileshe Nkhuwa, expressed appreciation to UNICEF, stating that the ICT upgrade will increase staff efficiency and improve data management and case tracking. 

As part of its continued support to strengthen national child protection systems, UNICEF also handed over four desktop computers and one uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS). This donation aims to enhance the Ministry’s capacity to effectively operationalize the Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS), a critical tool for tracking and responding to child protection cases across the country.

The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, represented at the event, welcomed the support, noting that the initiative aligns with government priorities in strengthening national child protection systems.

“The donation of ICT equipment by UNICEF is a timely and welcome contribution to our ongoing efforts to strengthen the national child protection system,” said the Hon. Minister of Community Development and Social Services. “With improved technology and data management tools, we will be better equipped to monitor, coordinate and respond to child protection cases efficiently and effectively. We are grateful to UNICEF for continued partnership and commitment to safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of every child in Zambia,” said Mrs. Doreen Sefuke Mwamba, (MP).

This support forms part of UNICEF’s broader commitment to advancing child rights and protection through strategic partnerships and innovation.