Chibwana said this amid growing intentions by institutions and individuals to adopt children whose parents died during the disaster.

“Individuals that have shown interest to adopt these children should be commended but they have to follow adoption and child protection laws and guidelines,” said Chibwana.

He said this is in the best interest of the adopted child at the same time all parties involved in the adoption processes will be protected in an event that something bad happens to the child. 

Chibwana said whether disaster or not children should be protected from all forms of abuses.

Recently the Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Jean Sendeza urged those willing to adopt any child to seek guidance from district social welfare offices.

She said government expects interested individuals and institutions to adopt or foster children in compliance with existing laws.