Devolution Program Decentralises Birth and Death Registration, Easing Burdens on Rural Citizens.

The Second Republic’s Devolution program has introduced a new initiative that empowers village heads to issue birth and death confirmation records. This program aims to address the challenges faced by individuals born or deceased in non-clinical settings, particularly in remote or hard-to-reach areas.

The key objective is to decentralize social services and make it easier for citizens to access vital registration documents. Rural residents and vulnerable groups, such as orphans, often struggle to obtain these essential records due to the lack of nearby healthcare facilities. This initiative is expected to significantly alleviate these challenges, especially for mothers who give birth at home and families of those who pass away at home.

President Mnangagwa has emphasized the importance of compassion and understanding in issuing these records, and the government has waived the fees for obtaining birth and death certificates. This move underscores the Second Republic’s commitment to human capital development and social welfare, in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1).

To facilitate the implementation, over 5,900 village heads have been trained to issue birth and death notification records. Pilot programs have been successfully launched in Manicaland and Matabeleland North Provinces, with plans to expand the initiative nationwide. This program reflects the government’s dedication to inclusive service delivery, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards Vision 2030.