A total of 696 suspect cases involving children was recorded by the Ministry of Women Children and Poverty Alleviation in the last 10 months.

These cases involve 133 children below the age of five.

These cases see neglect topping the list with 197 cases while physical and sexual abuse recording 140 and 126 cases respectively.

The number of males that are being neglected is high compared to females where 88 are under the age of five.

The statistics provided by the ministry also states that more than 100 girls were victims of sexual abuse.

11 cases of children being abandoned and five cases of children being victims of parental conflict were also recorded by the ministry and they had to make referrals to appropriate agencies in the best interests of the children.

The ministry also recorded four cases of malnutrition where all these children are aged five years and below.

Teenage pregnancy cases increased to 89 cases where all victims are between the ages of 13 to 18.

Other cases include 10 cases of drug abuse, six cases of attempted suicide, six cases of verbal abuse, three cases of child labour and 10 cases of theft.

The ministry is working with relevant stakeholders to provide necessary counselling, make appropriate referrals, and meet the needs of every child that is a victim of these cases.