The Department of National Registration and passport and citizenship in Chama district has commenced data collection in readiness for issuance of birth certificates.

District Registrar Michael Nyirongo emphasized the importance of birth certificates to the members of the community during the ongoing child health week in the district.

Mr Nyirongo explained that the birth certificate is a document that shows the details of where the child was born and therefore stressed the need for parents to  obtain the certificates for their children as it was mandatory by law.

“Every child shall be registered immediately after birth and shall have the right from birth and shall have the right to know and be cared for by his or her parents,” he stated.

Mr Nyirongo also emphasized to the community that birth certificates assist when enrolling children for school as well as when applying for a visa document.

He further urged the parents that obtaining birth certificates for the children will stand as a legal proof of identity that will help to protect children from violence, abuse, exploitation and that without a birth certificate, children are unable to prove their age.